Animal Products: Biofuels

Ben Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what estimate he has made of volumes of tallow disposals following the planned introduction of banding in the renewables obligation in 2009;
	(2)  what information his Department holds on the volume of tallow disposed of in landfill over the last three years;
	(3)  what estimate he has made of the likely costs to industry of converting tallow into biodiesel; and if he will make a statement;
	(4)  what studies his Department has  (a) commissioned and  (b) evaluated on the environmental and sustainability impact of converting tallow into biodiesel.

Joan Ruddock: holding answer 18 October 2007
	No estimates have been made by Defra on any changes to tallow disposals following the planned introduction of banding in the renewables obligation in 2009.
	Data on the total volume of tallow disposed of in landfill are not held by Defra or the Environment Agency. However, the various regulatory restrictions, and the high value of tallow for further uses, for example in the oleochemicals industry, means that its disposal to landfill is likely to be rare.
	No estimates have been made by Defra of the likely costs to industry of converting tallow into biodiesel.
	Defra has not commissioned any evaluation of the sustainability impact of converting tallow into biodiesel.
	The Government announced on 21 June 2007 that they aim to reward biofuels under the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) in accordance with the carbon savings they offer from 2010, provided that this is compatible with World Trade Organisation rules and EU Technical Standards requirements. This must also be consistent with the policy framework being developed by the European Commission as part of the review of the biofuels directive, and subject to consultation on the potential environmental and economic impacts of such a scheme.
	The Government also announced that from 2011, they aim to reward biofuels under the RTFO only if the feedstocks from which they are produced meet appropriate sustainability standards, again subject to the provisos set out above. The RTFO draft Order provides for an 'Administrator' of the scheme, which will be a new non-departmental public body. They will have the power to require information from suppliers about the biofuel supplied and feedstocks used. The Government will ask the Administrator to report regularly on the impact on other sectors, and will consider carefully, in the light of these reports, whether any corrective action is necessary.

Animal Products: Waste Disposal

Ben Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what volume of tallow has been disposed of in landfill over the last three years; and what arrangements for the disposal of tallow will be made following the planned introduction of the renewable transport fuel obligation in 2008.

Joan Ruddock: holding answer 16 October 2007
	Data on the total volume of tallow disposed of in landfill are not held by DEFRA or the Environment Agency.
	Under the Animal By-Products Regulation (EC) 1774/2002 (ABPR), tallow can only be landfilled if the animal by-products from which it has been derived have undergone the relevant level of processing (rendering).
	Regulatory restrictions, and the high value of tallow for further uses, means that its disposal to landfill is likely to be rare.
	The disposal of tallow must comply with the relevant regulatory requirements, including the ABPR, waste management legislation and, where appropriate, the Waste Incineration Directive. No other arrangements for the recovery or disposal of tallow are planned by my Department to coincide with the renewable transport fuel obligation's requirements.

Carbon Emissions: Departmental Coordination

Martin Horwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps his Department is taking to co-ordinate efforts across Government to reduce the Government's carbon footprint.

Phil Woolas: Defra provides the Secretariat for the cross departmental Sustainable Procurement and Operations Board which has been set up to drive delivery of the Sustainable Procurement and Operations Targets on the Government estate. These targets include action on carbon reduction and energy efficiency.
	Defra funds the Carbon Trust to provide advice on carbon management and financial support, through Salix Finance, including to Departments. Both organisations are expected to benefit under the Environmental Transformation Fund.
	Defra leads an 'Act on CO2' communications campaign across Government Departments to encourage individuals to reduce their carbon dioxide emissions, both at work and at home.

Domestic Wastes: Waste Disposal

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will list the research, including opinion research and polling, which his Department has  (a) undertaken in-house and  (b) commissioned from external sources in relation to charging for the collection of household rubbish.

Joan Ruddock: (a) No research has been undertaken in-house.
	 (b) DEFRA commissioned the following research:
	The '2007 Survey of Public Attitudes and Behaviours' towards the environment, undertaken by the British Market Research Bureau, which included a section on "attitudes to recycling" and sought views on whether individuals would "favour a system that rewarded them if they recycled everything they could and penalised them if they didn't". 52 per cent. of residents were in favour of this statement with 24 per cent. disagreeing or strongly disagreeing.
	In addition, Eunomia Research and Consulting Ltd. produced a report for DEFRA on the project 'Modelling the Impact of Household Charging for Waste in England.'

Plastics: Recycling

Chris Mullin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps he has taken to encourage the recycling of plastic; and if he will make a statement.

Joan Ruddock: Recycling is strongly promoted by a range of Government policies. The Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) is working to maximise the amount and quality of recyclate used in UK manufacturing operations.
	The demand for recycled plastic is very strong, both from UK manufacturers and overseas markets. The UK currently recycles or recovers approximately 19 per cent. of all plastic consumed, and this is set to increase to over 25 per cent. by 2010. WRAP has a number of projects over the next two years which aim to switch manufacturing processes from virgin to recycled materials, including a target to support the recycling of an additional 16 kilo tonnes of plastic bottles—an increase of 30 per cent. from current levels. The use of recycled content in packaging is expanding rapidly, partly due to WRAP's work to stimulate this market.
	The Waste Strategy for England 2007, which we published in May, focuses action on key waste materials for greater scope for improving environmental and economic outcomes, one of which is plastic. The strategy recognises that recycling plastics shows significant potential for carbon and energy savings through displacing virgin materials. Actions set out in the strategy include developing proposals (subject to further analysis) for higher packaging recycling targets beyond the 2008 EC Packaging Directive targets, and supporting WRAP in its work to increase recycling of plastics and the recycled content of certain plastic containers.
	We have set demanding targets, both nationally and locally, for household waste recycling and composting and the Waste Strategy 2007 sets even higher national targets, to reach at least 40 per cent. by 2010, 45 per cent. by 2015 and 50 per cent. by 2020. These targets are not material-specific, but we expect the range of materials collected by local authorities, including plastics, to increase further as targets become more demanding and as collection and treatment capacity increases.

Plastics: Recycling

Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether there is surplus capacity to recycle plastic waste in the UK.

Joan Ruddock: The Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) has carried out some work on the plastic processing capacity/supply relationship; the indication is that the UK, along with most of Europe, does have some excess capacity to process plastic waste. The exception to this is for plastic bottles, and to some extent waste electrical and electronic equipment plastics, where growth in collection has supported a substantial growth in reprocessing capacity.
	However, this is a complex area, and much of the existing capacity is too old, too small or targeting the wrong end products. Many plants are therefore investing in new capacity or updating and consolidating existing plants, some with support from WRAP. WRAP has a number of projects designed to maximise the amount and quality of recyclate, including plastic, used in UK manufacturing operations.

Turtles: Conservation

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the Government's policy is on the protection of chelonians, with particular reference to turtles.

Joan Ruddock: Marine turtles are protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 and the Offshore Marine Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 2007 which came into force in August of this year. These pieces of legislation establish a strict system of protection for marine turtles in the UK, including prohibitions in respect of the deliberate capture, injuring, killing or disturbance, as well as the sale or exchange, of these species.
	The UK also plays a prominent role in various international agreements and conventions such as the convention for international trade in endangered species (CITES) and the convention for migratory species (CMS), both of which include measures to protect endangered chelonians (including marine turtles, tortoises and terrapins). The illegal trade in CITES species is one of the top UK wildlife crime priorities for 2007-08, with a particular focus on five species, including tortoises, that are threatened by illegal trade.

Wildlife: Trade

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps he is  (a) taking and  (b) planning to take to prevent British holidaymakers from participating in the illegal wildlife trade.

Joan Ruddock: Since 2000 Defra, in partnership with WWF-UK, has been running a 'Souvenir Alert' campaign to help tackle the problem of holidaymakers unknowingly bringing back illegal wildlife souvenirs. The campaign advises travellers to be careful when buying souvenirs made from endangered wildlife, so that they do not contribute towards the devastating effect of illegal and unsustainable trade. It warns that bringing home souvenirs containing products derived from animals or plants protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) may require a permit or may even be prohibited.
	Defra takes its responsibilities under CITES seriously and continues to look for opportunities to raise awareness of CITES controls to ensure effective implementation.

Armed Forces: Drugs

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many drugs tests on  (a) Army,  (b) Navy and  (c) RAF personnel produced positive results in each quarter since January 2006, broken down by the (i) class of drugs and (ii) regiment concerned.

Derek Twigg: The following tables show the results of drug tests in the armed forces since January 2006, broken down by quarter, class of drug and service. A breakdown by regiment could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	
		
			  Royal Navy 
			Positive results  Class A  Class B  Class C 
			  Period  Number of Tests carried out  Number  Percentage  Number  Percentage  Number  Percentage  Number  Percentage 
			  2006  
			 1 January to 31 March 3,619 13 0.35 10 — 0 0 3 — 
			 1 April to 30 June 2,939 8 0.27 2 — 0 0 6 — 
			 1 July to 30 September 3,343 19 0.56 17 — 0 0 2 — 
			 1 October to 31 December 3,037 17 0.55 17 — 0 0 0 — 
			   
			  2007  
			 1 January to 31 March 2,822 7 0.24 3 — 0 0 4 — 
			 1 April to 30 June 2,994 14 0.46 8 — 0 0 6 — 
			 1 July to 30 September 2,887 10 0.35 10 — 0 0 0 — 
			 Total 21,957 88 0.40 67 76 0 0 21 24 
		
	
	
		
			  Army 
			Positive results  Class A  Class B  Class C 
			  Period  Number of Tests carried out  Number  Percentage  Number  Percentage  Number  Percentage  Number  Percentage 
			  2006  
			 1 January to 31 March 32,449 261 0.80 156 — 12 — 117 — 
			 1 April to 30 June 26,105 190 0.73 119 — 11 — 82 — 
			 1 July to 30 September 19,477 152 0.78 220 — 8 — 63 — 
			 1 October to 31 December 26,468 234 0.88 205 — 9 — 56 — 
			   
			  2007  
			 1 January to 31 March 25,230 228 0.90 166 — 8 — 80 — 
			 1 April to 30 June 17,537 18 1.08 148 — 5 — 54 — 
			 1 July to 30 September 16,734 (1)143 (1)0.85 108 — 7 — 42 — 
			 Total 164,000 1,397 0.85 1,122 67 60 3.6 494 30 
			 (1) Awaiting results of 1,250 tests conducted during September 2007. 
		
	
	
		
			  Royal Air Force 
			Positive results  Class A  Class B  Class C 
			  Period  Number of Tests carried out  Number  Percentage  Number  Percentage  Number  Percentage  Number  Percentage 
			  2006  
			 1 January to 31 March 3,105 7 0.23 6 — 0 0 1 — 
			 1 April to 30 June 3,062 6 0.20 5 — 0 0 1 — 
			 1 July to 30 September 3,545 2 0.06 1 — 0 0 1 — 
			 1 October to 31 December 3,172 3 0.09 0 — 0 0 3 — 
			   
			  2007  
			 1 January to 31 March 2,785 3 0.11 2 — 0 0 1 — 
			 1 April to 30 June 3,606 5 0.14 3 — 0 0 2 — 
			 1 July to 30 September 2,279 1 0.04 1 — 0 0 0 — 
			 Total 21,554 27 0.13 18 67 0 0 9 33 
			  Notes: 1. A single test sample may contain more than one class of drag; the sum of positive test results for class A, B and C drags may therefore be greater than the overall number of positive results. 2. The percentages in the totals for class A, B and C drags are the percentages of each class total against the sum of the class totals.

Armed Forces: Pay

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many personnel in the  (a) RAF,  (b) Army,  (c) Navy,  (d) Marines and  (e) Reserves have been (i) overpaid and (ii) underpaid under the joint personnel administration system since March 2006.

Derek Twigg: The joint personnel administration (JPA) system was rolled-out to the Royal Air Force (RAF) in March 2006, the Royal Navy (RN) in October 2006 and the Army in April 2007.
	Information for the Royal Marines is contained in the RN information. The information on Reserves is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate costs.
	The RN and RAF figures for 2006 are as follows:
	
		
			  2006  RN Over  RN Under  RAF Over  RAF Under 
			 March 0 0 0 0 
			 April 0 0 4,064 1,804 
			 May 0 0 230 475 
			 June 0 0 257 288 
			 July 0 0 139 120 
			 August 0 0 2,979 7,058 
			 September 0 0 4 0 
			 October 0 0 0 0 
			 November 9,618 2,289 1,200 1,678 
			 December 0 0 0 0 
		
	
	From January 2007, JPA system errors are no longer recorded separately by service and figures are therefore not available for the Army. The combined figures for 2007 are as follows:
	
		
			  2007  Overpayments  Underpayments 
			 January 161 1,383 
			 February 70 0 
			 March 229 54 
			 April 13,908 252 
			 May 3,430 1,181 
			 June 0 90 
			 July 2,978 416 
			 August 0 51,917 
			 September 0 12 
		
	
	These figures are the total over and underpayments. It should be noted that the majority of the 51,917 underpayments recorded in August relate to a single error which took a charity contribution from each RN/RM account of £3. The error has been corrected and the money will be re-credited to pay accounts in October.

Armed Forces: Pensions

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will estimate  (a) the cost of making service in the armed forces prior to 1975 of less than 22 years duration pensionable and  (b) the consequential costs elsewhere in the public sector of making service in the armed forces prior to 1975 of less than 22 years duration pensionable.

Derek Twigg: It is not practical to make an accurate estimate of the cost of making pension awards to those service personnel who served less than 22 years reckonable service prior to 1975.
	The consequential cost of providing pensions for pre-1975 service on a retrospective basis across the public sector would be prohibitive—exceeding billions of pounds.
	There remains no realistic prospect that this or any Government could afford to address these public sector pension legacy issues. Further details were set out in the reply my right hon. Friend the then Minister for the Armed Forces gave in the Adjournment Debate on 31 January 2007,  Official Report, columns 338-40, which clearly set out the legislative and policy background to this matter.

Armed Forces: Personnel Management

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many serving and former RAF personnel payments have been missed since 1 January 2007 under Joint Personnel Administration; how many complaints have been received from members of the armed forces about Joint Personnel Administration; and how many complaints are still outstanding.

Derek Twigg: holding answer 16 October 2007
	The total number of serving and former Royal Air Force personnel payments that have been missed since 1 January could be provided only at disproportionate cost. However, across the three Services between 1 January 2007 and 30 September 2007 there have been 55,305 underpayments (which may be considered missed payments) and 683 pension payments which were not enabled within the target of five working days of discharge.
	The majority of the 55,305 underpayments relate to a single error that occurred in August which took a charity contribution from each Royal Navy and Royal Marine account of £3. The error has been corrected and the money will be re-credited to pay accounts in the October pay run.
	Between 1 January 2007 and 30 September 2007, 1,053 complaints had been received from Armed Forces personnel via the centralised JPA complaints process about incorrect payments and other apparent problems with pay or the handling of queries. Of these, 47 remain outstanding.

Army: Recruitment

Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the rate of recruitment to the Army was in each of the last five years, broken down by sector.

Derek Twigg: The following tables show the Rates of Gains to Trained Strength of the UK Regular Army by Arm/Service during financial years 2002-03, 2003-04, 2004-05, 2005-06 and for the period 1 April 2006 to 28 February 2007.
	
		
			  Table 1: Regular Army Officer Rates of Gains to Trained Strength (GTS) 
			  Percentage 
			  Arm/Service  2002-03  2003-04  2004-05  2005-06  2006-07( 1) 
			 Household Cavalry/Royal Armoured Corps 5.9 6.6 5.8 6.0 6.6 
			 Royal Regiment of Artillery 6.4 5.5 6.4 6.0 5.5 
			 Corps of Royal Engineers 5.6 4.6 5.6 5.6 6.5 
			 Royal Corps of Signals 4.6 4.5 6.0 4.9 4.3 
			 The Infantry 6.6 7.1 5.9 5.7 6.0 
			 Army Air Corps 5.5 6.2 6.9 6.2 5.4 
			 Royal Army Chaplain's Department 7.8 4.2 8.8 5.9 7.3 
			 The Royal Logistics Corps 4.4 4.8 5.0 5.3 4.9 
			 Royal Army Medical Corps 13.0 13.2 14.2 12.4 8.4 
			 Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers 4.7 3.8 5.4 4.3 4.2 
			 Adjutant General's Corps (Provost Branch) 8.1 8.0 8.3 7.5 6.9 
			 Adjutant General's Corps (Staff and Personnel Support Branch) 3.4 4.3 6.0 5.7 5.1 
			 Adjutant General's Corps (Educational and Training Services Branch) 4.8 6.0 5.8 7.1 6.0 
			 Adjutant General's Corps (Army Legal Services Branch) 12.3 3.2 7.5 20.0 11.6 
			 Royal Army Veterinary Corps 10.4 10.4 10.5 17.9 11.5 
			 Royal Army Dental Corps 17.3 9.6 6.2 3.6 13.1 
			 Intelligence Corps 4.7 2.7 5.5 5.2 7.5 
			 Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps 8.2 2.5 7.1 7.4 5.5 
			 Corps of Army Music 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 8.9 
			 Total 5.4 5.2 5.8 5.6 5.6 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 2:Regular Army Soldier Rates of Gains to Trained Strength (GTS) 
			  Percentage 
			  Arm/Service  2002-03  2003-04  2004-05  2005-06  2006-07( 1) 
			 Household Cavalry/Royal Armoured Corps 14.2 11.8 9.6 8.6 10.3 
			 Royal Regiment of Artillery 12.7 11.4 8.9 9.1 8.8 
			 Corps of Royal Engineers 14.3 13.5 15.3 12.6 11.5 
			 Royal Corps of Signals 14.5 10.6 10.1 6.7 6.2 
			 The Infantry 12.8 14.8 11.0 9.7 11.3 
			 Army Air Corps 9.4 9.6 14.9 12.5 9.0 
			 The Royal Logistics Corps 11.9 13.9 11.1 10.6 7.6 
			 Royal Army Medical Corps 11.9 10.9 11.3 11.4 8.5 
			 Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers 11.1 9.5 10.0 10.1 7.0 
			 Adjutant General's Corps (Provost Branch) 9.2 8.4 10.7 6.2 5.0 
			 Adjutant General's Corps (Staff and Personnel Support Branch) 7.2 9.5 4.4 2.3 1.5 
			 Royal Army Veterinary Corps 20.6 11.9 11.5 11.5 9.8 
			 Royal Army Dental Corps 13.3 5.8 3.2 7.8 10.3 
			 Intelligence Corps 8.4 5.1 7.8 9.6 7.9 
			 Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps 12.3 22.3 9.2 10.9 9.7 
			 Corps of Army Music 5.8 5.4 3.7 4.3 2.3 
			 Total 12.1 12.2 10.4 9.3 8.6 
			 (1) Due to ongoing data validation following the introduction of the new Joint Personnel Administration (JPA) System, there is no arm/service information currently available since 1 March 2007. Therefore it is possible to provide data only for 2006-07 from 1 April 2006 to 28 February 2007.   Notes:  1. Rates are for the Regular Army only and exclude Gurkhas, full-time reserve service, the Home Service battalions of the Royal Irish Regiment and mobilised reservists.  2. Annual rates have been calculated by taking the GTS for each arm/service in the period as a percentage of the average strength for all trained officers and soldiers in that arm/service over the same period.  3. The Officer GTS include all Direct Entry Commissions (DE) and Professionally Qualified Officers (PQOs) who have been recorded as a Gain to Trained Strength during the Financial Years 2002-03, 2003-04, 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2006-07.

Merchant Marine: War Pensions

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  how many members of the Merchant Marine have been awarded a war pension due to injuries or illness suffered in the Pacific area during nuclear tests;
	(2)  what the rationale is for treating members of the Merchant Marine acting alongside UK forces and service personnel differently in relation to qualification for war pensions.

Derek Twigg: The rules of the Mercantile Marine scheme are currently contained in the War Pensions (Mercantile Marine) Scheme 1964. The scheme dates from the second world war and was intended to reflect the additional dangers of war over and above those normally found on board ship. The scheme therefore provides for awards to be made to members of the mercantile marine only in respect of "war injuries" (injuries caused by enemy action or in combating such action) and "war risk injuries" (injuries resulting from conditions on ship which would not be normal in peace time, such as measures to avoid or prevent enemy action). The scheme does not cover injuries or illnesses arising in peace time.
	Due to the historical nature of the scheme information on the total number of war pensions is not held. However I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 17 October,  Official Report, column 1125W, for the number of those currently in receipt of a pension.

Military Bases: Portsmouth

Linda Gilroy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of land at HM Naval Base Portsmouth is allocated to  (a) museums and heritage purposes,  (b) Vosper Thorneycroft Shipbuilders and  (c) operational Royal Navy requirements; and if he will make a statement.

Bob Ainsworth: The total area of land at HM Naval Base Portsmouth is some 383 acres. The proportion of land allocated at the Naval Base for: museum and heritage purposes is 3.6 per cent. (13.87 acres); for VT Group Shipbuilders is 8.5 per cent. (32.65 acres); and for operational purposes is 87 per cent. (335.5 acres). In addition, 0.3 per cent. (0.98 acres) of land is also allocated to BAE Systems. The figure for land required to support operational requirements includes two ship basins, the Royal Marines School of Music, and sports facilities required to prepare Royal Navy personnel for operations.

Navy: Drug Seizures

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 26 July 2007,  Official Report, column 1250W, on navy: drug seizures, what the circumstances and outcome of each drug seizure made by the Royal Navy in 2006-07 was; and to which law enforcement agency the contraband was turned over in each case.

Bob Ainsworth: The following table sets out the details of each drug seizure in which the Royal Navy was involved, for the financial year 2006-07. All the drug seizures detailed in the table involved cocaine. It is difficult to put an accurate value on the amount of illegal drugs seized or destroyed in these operations. The price of illegal drugs varies greatly depending on supply and demand, as well as the purity of the drugs themselves when they reach the UK market. Therefore quoted MOD figures for the "street value" of successful seizures are always estimates. It should be noted that it is likely that not all of the cocaine seized would have reached the UK market.
	
		
			  Date  Location  Estimated Tonnage  Estimated Street Value( 1)  (£ million)  Ships involved  Lead Agency for Contraband 
			 10 September 2006 300 miles north east of Barbados 5 245 RFA Wave Ruler US Law Enforcement Detachment 
			 5 October 2006 Off the west coast of North Africa 1.8 88 HMS Argyle and RFA Gold Rover Spanish Law Enforcement Detachment 
			 25 October 2006 Off the coast of Puerto Rico 3 147 RFA Wave Ruler US Law Enforcement Detachment 
			 6 November 2006 300 miles west of the Cape Verde Islands 1.3 64 HMS Argyle Spanish Law Enforcement Detachment 
			 23 November 2006 600 miles north east of Barbados 2.9 142 RFA Wave Ruler US Law Enforcement Detachment 
			 (1) If drugs had reached the UK. 
		
	
	In my answer to the hon. Member for Ribble Valley (Mr. Evans) on 26 June 2007,  Official Report, column 670W, about drug seizures it has been identified that the data are incorrect for 2005-06 and 2006-07. The correct tonnage should read 17 and 14 respectively.

Royal Marines: Devonport

Linda Gilroy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration he has given to moving the headquarters of 1 Assault Group Royal Marines from Poole to Devonport; and if he will make a statement.

Bob Ainsworth: holding answer 18 October 2007
	 As part of the overall FLEET Transformation programme operational control of 1 Assault Group Royal Marines transferred on 18 October from the Devonport Flotilla to Flag Officer Sea Training based in Devonport. It is planned for the headquarters element of the assault group (approx 15 personnel) to re-locate from Poole to Devonport in the first half of next year.

Royal Regiment of Scotland

Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many non-UK Commonwealth citizens are serving with the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

Derek Twigg: The information is as follows:
	
		
			  Non-UK Commonwealth regular officers and soldiers in the Royal Regiment of Scotland at 1 March 2007 
			   Officers  Soldiers  Total 
			 Royal Regiment of Scotland 15 40 55 
			  Notes:  1. Figures are shown as at 1 March 2007, as reliable Army strength statistics to this level of detail are not yet available for 1 April 2007 onwards due to on-going validation of Army data following the introduction of the new personnel administration system.  2. The numbers have been rounded to the nearest five. 
		
	
	The figures above are trained regular officers and soldiers only.
	Figures include non-British Commonwealth posted to the Royal Regiment of Scotland and exclude Royal Regiment of Scotland non-British Commonwealth posted away from the unit.

Council Housing: Employment

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what proportion of social tenants were in  (a) full-time and  (b) part-time employment in (i) 1997 and (ii) the latest year for which figures are available.

Iain Wright: Based on figures derived from the Survey of English Housing, it is estimated that, in 1997-98, 23 per cent. of social tenants who were the main householder, were in full-time employment and 7 per cent. in part-time employment.
	The latest estimates, for 2005-06, are that 22 per cent. of social tenants were in full-time employment and 9 per cent. in part-time employment.

Empty Property: Public Sector

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government 
	(1)  how many public sector homes in  (a) England and  (b) each Government office region in England were empty in April 2007;
	(2)  how many public sector domestic dwellings were vacant in  (a) England and  (b) each Government office region in England in April.

Iain Wright: The number of local authority and registered social landlord vacant dwellings in each region at 1 April 2006, the latest date for which figures are available, are in the following below.
	
		
			  Vacancies by region, 1 April 2006 
			   Local authority( 1)  Registered social landlords( 2) 
			 NE 4,358 3,236 
			 NW 6,295 7,947 
			 YH 6,142 2,882 
			 EM 4,294 1,244 
			 WM 3,923 4,550 
			 E 3,105 1,868 
			 L 10,107 4,405 
			 SE 2,780 2,471 
			 SW 1,887 1,567 
			 England 42,891 30,170 
			  Source:(1) Housing Strategy Statistical Appendix as reported by local authorities.  (2) Regulatory Statistical Return as reported by registered social landlords.

Floods: EC Grants

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what applications she has made to the European Union for funding in relation to 2007 UK flood damage; what assessment she has made of applications by other European states for equivalent funding; and what funding she has secured from the European Union for such purposes.

John Healey: An application for support from the EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) in respect of the June and July flooding in England, Wales and Northern Ireland was lodged with the European Commission on 20 August. It is for the Commission to decide what level of support to offer, and the application is currently being discussed with them.
	Applications by other member states to the EUSF have resulted in offers of support ranging approximately between 2.5 per cent. and 5 per cent. of the damage suffered. The UK current estimate for total damage is over €4 billion. Of the total number of applications received by the European Commission since 2002, 23 have been accepted by the Commission and 17 rejected, with a further two withdrawn and decisions pending on five other applications.

Housing: Carbon Emissions

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many of the homes being built in English Partnership's eco-village in Bristol will be zero-carbon.

Iain Wright: The homes at the eco-village at Hanham Hall, Bristol are to be developed under the Carbon Challenge. The Carbon Challenge is a competition being delivered by English Partnerships on behalf of the Department of Communities and Local Government and is aimed at accelerating the house building industry's response to climate change. Hanham Hall is owned by English Partnerships and is the first Carbon Challenge site to be developed. All the homes will be required to meet Level 6, which is the highest level, of the Code for Sustainable Homes. The energy standard for code level 6 requires net zero carbon emissions for each new home. This means that, over the course of a year, the amount of energy taken from the grid to facilitate the running of the home will be less than or equal to the amount of energy returned using renewable technologies.

Housing: Low Incomes

Mark Hunter: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many units of social housing were available in  (a) Cheadle constituency and  (b) Stockport local authority in (i) 2005 and (ii) 2006.

Iain Wright: Information specific to Cheadle constituency is not held centrally however the numbers of social rent dwellings in Stockport that are owned or managed by local authorities and registered social landlords (RSLs) are tabulated as follows:
	
		
			  1 April  Local authority( 1)  Registered social landlords( 2)  Total 
			 2005 13,104 4,641 17,745 
			 2006 13,000 4,657 17,657 
			  Sources:(1) Housing Strategy Statistical Appendix reported by Stockport.  (2) Statistical Return reported by registered social landlords. 
		
	
	RSL stock includes supported/older people self contained units and bed spaces.

Housing: Opencast Mining

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what representations her Department has received calling for buffer zones between domestic dwellings and opencast mines; and if she will make a statement.

Iain Wright: I am aware of two representations to the Department which called for buffer zones between domestic dwellings and opencast mines.
	The Government have no plans to introduce a planning policy recommending uniform buffer zones around opencast mining sites in England. It considers that the interests of the occupants of neighbouring properties, and the environment, are better served by the present practice of considering the specific impacts of individual mining schemes in the light of all the local relevant circumstances, as part of the preparation of an Environmental Impact Assessment for an application for planning permission.

Local Authorities: Grants

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what plans her Department has to make additional retrospective payments to councils under the Local Authority Business Growth Incentives Scheme following the successful judicial review proceedings brought against it.

John Healey: On 6 September, the Department wrote to all eligible local authorities with details of additional payments made as a result of the recent Judicial Review proceedings. A further explanation can be found at http://www.local.communities.gov.uk/finance/labgi/addpayexp.pdf and individual authority grant awards can be found at http://www.local.communities.gov.uk/finance/labgi/dtmncode20.pdf.

Local Government: Reorganisation

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the timetable is for  (a) primary and  (b) secondary legislation in relation to the proposed local government restructuring and establishment of unitary local government.

John Healey: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Beckenham (Mrs. Lait) on 15 October 2007,  Official Report, column 862W.

Mobile Homes Act 1983

Mark Todd: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if she will review the operation of the Mobile Homes Act 1983 as amended in 2006; and if she will make a statement.

Iain Wright: The Government accepted the majority of the recommendations made by the Park Homes Working Party in 2000. Since then, Government have been taking forward a significant programme of work to implement those recommendations. Those relating to the Implied Terms in Schedule 1 of the Mobile Homes Act 1983 came into force on 1 October 2006. The remaining recommendations are currently being taken forward and will be completed when parliamentary time allows. As the programme of work is ongoing and has been in force only for a year we believe it is too early to decide when a review of the effectiveness of its implementation should be carried out.

Public Bodies

Jacqui Lait: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what guidance has been produced for public authorities on procurement and public sector equality duties.

Barbara Follett: I have been asked to reply
	The previous equality Commissions, the Commission for Racial Equality, the Disability Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunities Commission each produced guidance on procurement and the race, disability and gender public sector equality duties respectively. The Office of Government Commerce has also produced a guidance note on social issues in purchasing which provides information on public procurement and the public sector equality duties.

Tenancy Deposit Scheme

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps the Government have taken to encourage landlords of student accommodation to sign up to the Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme; and what further plans she has to encourage such landlords to sign up to the scheme.

Iain Wright: The Department has a publicity and awareness campaign for the Tenancy Deposit Protection (TDP) scheme specifically aimed at students. The campaign was developed in close association with large student accommodation providers and the National Union of Students. TDP has been promoted to students on campuses, in student bars and public areas and supported by advertising via ATM machines and on student accommodation websites.
	Direct marketing to students at 30 universities in England and Wales started in September 2007 led by students themselves. This encompasses distributing leaflets and posters, information on student blogging websites, web forums and direct information to letting agents offering student accommodation. It is intended that this activity will raise awareness with newly arrived students. This activity is ongoing and will be prominently repeated in January 2008, the peak time when students start searching for private rented property for the autumn term. Such awareness will equip students to know when to tackle their landlords if they believe they have failed to protect their deposit.
	National and regional landlord organisations, as well as landlord forums and accreditation schemes run by local authorities, have an active role to play in ensuring the message is disseminated to landlords. Reputable letting agents are aware of the new requirements and are responsible for ensuring their landlord clients comply with the legislation.

Unemployment: Housing Problems

Paul Holmes: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what her strategy is for helping unemployed homeless people and people living in unsettled accommodation, including hostels, into employment and independent living.

Iain Wright: The Government recognise that training and employment is a key route out of homelessness. Our homelessness strategy "Sustainable Communities: Settled Homes; Changing Lives" (2005) includes a programme of work across Government to tackle the wider causes and symptoms of homelessness, including improving access to benefits, training and employment.
	The Department for Communities and Local Government is working closely with DWP, Jobcentre Plus, local authorities, the voluntary and community sector, and the private sector on a number of initiatives, including:
	The Hostels Capital Improvement Programme is providing funding of over £90 million for 178 projects in 62 local authority areas to improve the physical condition of hostels and day centres and transform their services to put activity, training, work, education and social enterprise at the heart of their ethos.
	Through the Invest to Save Budget, the Government are supporting the Transitional Spaces Project led by Off the Streets and Into Work project, which plans to work with hostel residents to build their skills and gain sustainable employment.
	Government are supporting the Working Future pilot, which is testing the impact of reduced rents and increased access to employment services on work incentives for families with dependent children in private sector leased temporary accommodation in East London.
	The Department also continues to support a number of organisations, including Business Action on Homelessness and the Construction Youth Trust, working to support people who have experienced homelessness into work.
	Ongoing work with DWP includes reforming the housing benefit subsidy regime to reflect the true costs of temporary accommodation, and supporting DWP's ongoing improvements to housing benefit administration.
	The Government are committed to ensuring that the most vulnerable adults are offered the chance to get back on a path to a more successful life, by increasing the proportion of socially excluded adults in settled accommodation and in employment, education or training.

Departments: Manpower

Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many and what percentage of employees in  (a) his Department and  (b) each (i) executive agency and (ii) non-departmental public body funded by his Department are above state retirement age.

Peter Hain: My Department does not have executive agencies or non-departmental public bodies.
	Data on the number and percentage of employees above state retirement age for my Department is not available from published sources.

Departments: Public Participation

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales 
	(1)  how many citizens' juries have been arranged by his Department since June 2007; which organisations were commissioned to conduct each citizens' jury; and what the estimated cost is of each exercise;
	(2)  how many citizens' juries were arranged for  (a) his Department and  (b) his Department's agencies in each year since 1997; which organisations were commissioned to conduct each citizens' jury; and what the cost was of each.

Peter Hain: The Wales Office has not conducted any citizens' juries between 1997 and the present. Nor are any currently being arranged.

Departments: Standards

James Paice: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many of his Department's public service agreement targets  (a) take and  (b) do not take account of rural proofing.

Peter Hain: The Wales Office does not have public service agreement targets. My Departments objectives, performance targets and indicators can be found in its annual report.
	The 2007 Report (CM7110) can be obtained from the Library of the House or can be viewed on our website at:
	http://www.walesoffice.gov.uk/2007/AnnualReport2007.pdf

Legislative Drafting

Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the responses received by the Wales Office to the Government's consultation on its legislative programme.

Peter Hain: The Leader of the House of Commons has already committed to publishing a summary of all consultation responses and she will do so at the start of the next session.

British Nationals Overseas: Courts

Jo Swinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  what  (a) aid and  (b) advice is provided to British citizens who are called upon to act as witnesses in foreign courts; and when such support was last reviewed;
	(2)  what estimate he has made of the number of British citizens involved in court cases abroad in each of the last five years;
	(3)  what information his Department holds on the average level of expenses faced by British citizens who act as witnesses in court cases abroad; and what advice his Department provides to such people.

Meg Munn: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) plays no direct role in arrangements for British nationals acting as witnesses in court cases abroad and therefore does not hold information on the level of expenses involved. For the same reason, I am unable to make an estimate of the number of British nationals involved in court cases abroad in each of the last five years.
	When requested, the FCO and consular staff overseas will provide consular assistance in line with the practice set out in our publication "Support for British Nationals Abroad: A Guide", including general information on legal and police procedures in the country concerned and lists of local English-speaking lawyers and interpreters. Copies of "Support for British Nationals Abroad: A Guide" are available in the Library of the House. Guidance for consular officials was fully reviewed in May 2007.

Burma: Association of South East Asian Nations

Keith Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps have been taken by  (a) the UK Government and  (b) the EU to engage with the Association of South East Asian Nations governments on the situation in Burma.

Meg Munn: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I have been in regular contact with Ministers from Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states to explain our position and urge them to remain firm in their support for regional and international action on Burma. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary raised Burma with his counterparts from Singapore and Thailand in New York on 26 September. I have raised the issue with Ministers and senior officials from Cambodia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines and Indonesia. My noble Friend the Minister for Africa, Asia and the UN, the right hon. Lord Malloch-Brown, raised Burma with the Indonesian Foreign Minister in New York at the UN General Assembly and I held further talks with the Singapore Foreign Minister in Singapore on 22 October.
	ASEAN issued a strongly worded statement on Burma on 27 September, in which they expressed their revulsion at the actions of the regime and calling on them to stop using violence against demonstrators.
	EU Heads of Mission have carried out demarches in ASEAN member states, calling upon them to use their diplomatic influence to encourage the Burmese regime to end the repression of demonstrators and free all political prisoners.

Burma: Oppression

Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received of the recent death under interrogation of a pro-democracy activist in Burma; and what representations he has made to the Burmese authorities.

Meg Munn: We are aware of reports of the death in custody of Win Shwe.
	We have repeatedly condemned the Burmese Government's violent suppression of the recent peaceful demonstrations and the treatment of pro-democracy activists across Burma.
	On 15 October, the Council of the European Union released a statement which called for a thorough and impartial investigation of the deaths of demonstrators and other human rights violations in Burma. We, and partners, are urging the Burmese authorities to admit the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Burma forthwith and co-operate fully with him.

Burma: Politics and Government

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  if he will make a statement on the situation in Burma;
	(2)  what measures he is taking to promote freedom of speech and expression within Burma;
	(3)  what pressure is being placed upon the Burmese Government to stop abuses of human rights.

Jim Murphy: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary made a written ministerial statement on 8 October 2007,  Official Report, columns 12-15WS, on the situation in Burma. We placed an updated compilation of reports on the situation in Burma on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website on 15 October.
	On 2 October, the Human Rights Council (HRC) passed a resolution sponsored by the EU, with the strong support of the UK, which expressed deep concern about the situation in Burma. In our statement to the HRC, we drew attention to the regime's violations, including restrictions on the freedom of speech and association, and the suffering of Burma's ethnic communities.
	The UK co-sponsored the presidential statement unanimously adopted by the UN Security Council on 11 October. This was the first formal action ever taken by the Security Council on Burma. The statement called upon the Government of Burma to take all necessary measures to address the human rights that are the concern of its people.
	On 15 October, the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council, at which my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary represented the UK, called for a thorough and impartial investigation of the deaths of demonstrators and other continuing violations of human rights. It also called upon the Burmese regime to co-operate fully with the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Burma, Sergio Pinheiro. In response to the Burmese Government's failure to exercise restraint in their treatment of the demonstrators, the Council of the EU agreed to implement stronger restrictive measures against the regime. The strengthened measures include a ban on the import of metals, minerals, timber and semi-precious stones and a ban on investment in these sectors. These measures are designed to target the interests of the Generals, rather than harm the people of Burma.
	Our ambassador in Rangoon has also highlighted our concerns in his meetings with the Burmese Government on an ongoing basis, most recently on 25 September.

Burma: Sanctions

Keith Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how the effectiveness of the new package of EU sanctions announced in the EU Council Conclusions on Burma/Myanmar on 15 October will be  (a) monitored,  (b) assessed and  (c) reviewed; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Murphy: holding answer 22 October 2007
	 The EU monitors and evaluates sanctions through its range of geographical and thematic working groups. For Burma, the relevant working group is the Committee for Asia (known as COASI). Formal legal reviews of EU sanctions are also undertaken by the Foreign Relations Counsellors Working Party (known as RELEX).
	We will be working closely with all our European partners to ensure that this new package of EU sanctions will be properly monitored, assessed and reviewed, including addressing any risk that goods might be diverted or re-exported to Burma. The EU is prepared to review, amend or reinforce measures in the light of developments on the ground.
	We are discussing a range of broader measures with our EU colleagues that target sources of revenue for the regime, but do not hurt the civilian population. We do not exclude introducing a total ban on future investment if the regime does not make concessions on dialogue.
	Whether the EU measures against the Burmese regime are strengthened or relaxed in future will depend on the regimes willingness to allow a real political transition to begin.

Burma: United Nations

Keith Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the EU plans to take to promote UN engagement with Burma; what form such engagement is likely to take; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Murphy: holding answer 22 October 2007
	 EU Foreign Ministers meeting at the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 15 October condemned the brutal crack-down on demonstrators in Burma and strongly supported the actions by the UN, in particular the good offices mission of UN Special Envoy Ibrahim Gambari. The Foreign Ministers also announced the imposition of additional measures and sanctions targeting the regime.
	The EU will continue to support UN engagement with Burma. The EU has regular and close contacts at all levels with the Association of South East Asian Nations and other partners through which it will underline the importance of lending full regional support to the UN and to Mr. Gambari. The EU also stands ready to review, amend or reinforce these measures, in the light of developments on the ground and the results of the good offices mission of the UN, thereby increasing Mr. Gambari's leverage with the Burmese regime. The EU will also continue to provide support for humanitarian assistance inside Burma.

Democratic Republic of Congo: Armed Conflict

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions has he had with the Governments of  (a) Democratic Republic of Congo and  (b) Rwanda on how to deal with the militia under the control of General Nkundu.

Meg Munn: My noble Friend the Minister for Africa, Asia and the UN, the right hon. Lord Malloch-Brown, met a delegation of advisers to President Kabila of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in London on 13 September and spoke with President Kabila at the UN on 26 September. On both occasions he urged the Congolese Government to continue to look for a political solution to the problems affecting the east of the country and not to take a military approach against General Nkunda.
	My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary, together with my right hon. Friends the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for International Development, met President Kagame of Rwanda on 3 October. President Kagame had another meeting with my noble Friend the right hon. Lord Malloch-Brown and my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development, Baroness Vadera, on the same day. President Kagame agreed that integrating General Nkunda's troops into the Congolese armed forces was a necessary step towards peace. At both meetings the Government of Rwanda was urged to deliver on the commitments made in an agreement with the Democratic Republic of the Congo on 3 September.

Departments: Manpower

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many people were employed by his Department on 1 January in each of the last five years; and how many of these staff were  (a) permanent employees,  (b) temporary staff and  (c) contractors.

Jim Murphy: Figures for Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) staff numbers are published in the Civil Service Annual Statistics reports from the Cabinet Office according to a central counting convention. The figure for the full time equivalent staff numbers for 2007 is not yet available. The numbers of full time equivalent, UK based staff (ie excluding staff employed locally at posts) for each of the previous five years and including the FCO's agencies, Wilton Park and FCO Services, were as follows:
	
		
			   Number 
			 2006 6,130 
			 2005 5,930 
			 2004 5,970 
			 2003 5,950 
			 2002 5,680 
		
	
	The figure provided for 2006 is as at 30 September that year. Earlier figures are for 1 April in the relevant year. The numbers for contract and temporary staff employed are not held centrally and it would incur disproportionate cost to collate this information. The growth in staff numbers in 2006 was primarily due to increases in visa and consular work. Funding for staff in these areas is derived from the fees charged for these services.

Departments: Policy

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what policy changes his Department has implemented since 27 June 2007.

Meg Munn: Foreign policy is fast moving and constantly evolving. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has implemented a number of new and changed policies since 27 June 2007 and we have kept Parliament fully informed.
	These policy initiatives cover a wide range of issues and countries including Burma, Zimbabwe, Russia, Darfur/Chad, Iraq and Afghanistan among others. Details, including statements, speeches, announcements and blogs can be found on the FCO website www.fco.gov.uk and its associated links.

EU External Relations: Zimbabwe

William Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects the appointment of a European envoy for Zimbabwe to be agreed by the EU; and if he will make a statement.

David Miliband: The situation in Zimbabwe is of concern to all EU countries. At the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council on 15 October, Foreign Ministers discussed the role of an EU envoy. The Presidency in consultation with the Secretary-General, of the Council of the EU is charged with responsibility with taking the issue forward.

International Whaling Commission

Mark Hunter: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what role his Department is playing in recruiting more pro-conservation countries to join the International Whaling Commission.

Meg Munn: holding answer 19 October 2007
	Foreign and Commonwealth Office Embassies and High Commissions in the relevant capitals discuss whaling with their counterparts at every appropriate opportunity. In particular, conservation minded countries are encouraged to join the International Whaling Commission and play an active part in protecting whales. This ensures that these countries are in no doubt as to the importance that the UK attaches to whale conservation.

Japan: Whales

Mark Hunter: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what role his Department is playing in establishing the countries being approached by Japan to join the International Whaling Commission.

Jim Murphy: holding answer 22 October 2007
	UK Diplomatic missions in the relevant capitals are briefed and engage in discussion with their counterparts on whaling at every appropriate opportunity. Posts are aware of the need to watch for indicators that countries may join the International Whaling Commission and adopt a pro-whaling stance. Countries are lobbied and are in no doubt as to the importance that the UK attaches to whale conservation.

Japan: Whales

Mark Hunter: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what role his Department is playing in discussions about whaling with countries that vote with Japan at the International Whaling Commission but have no vested interest in whaling.

Jim Murphy: holding answer 22 October 2007
	UK diplomatic posts in all the relevant capitals are briefed and engage in discussion with their counterparts on whaling at every appropriate opportunity. The UK, together with its like-minded allies, lobbies the governments of the countries that vote with Japan at the International Whaling Commission to ensure that they are in no doubt as to the importance we attach to whale conservation.

Republic of Ireland: Diplomatic Service

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many officials of diplomatic rank who were responsible for or privy to  (a) the decision to dispose of Glencairn, Co. Dublin,  (b) its subsequent lease back to his Department and  (c) the purchase of Marlay Grange, Dublin have since 2000 (i) been raised to the peerage, (ii) received Knighthood or rank of Dame and (iii) been recipients of any other honours from the Queen.

Jim Murphy: holding answer 22 October 2007
	The decisions referred to were taken by Ministers after advice from officials. Many officials would have been privy to the decisions at that time and it is not possible to identify them all without incurring disproportionate cost.
	Honours are awarded to officials for exceptional public service.

Republic of Ireland: Diplomatic Service

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  how many hectares comprised the Glencairn House and Estate prior to its disposal; how many hectares have subsequently been leased back; what the rental cost is for each year of Glencairn's lease back to his Department; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what the receipt from the sale of Glencairn House, Co. Dublin was; what the cost is each year of its subsequent rental; and what the total costs were of legal agents and other fees relating to its sale and subsequent lease back.

Jim Murphy: holding answer 22 October 2007
	I refer my hon. Friend to the report on the Rationalisation of the Glencairn Estate, Dublin produced by the Comptroller and Auditor General to the House of Commons which gives full details of the sale of Glencairn and purchase of Marlay Grange. The report is available at:
	http://www.nao.org.uk/publications/nao_reports/03-04/03041088.pdf.
	The Glencairn House and estate comprised 14.2 hectares and was sold for Irish Punt 27 million (£24 million) in 1999. The Ambassador remains in occupation of the house and its immediate curtilage. No land has been leased back since the sale, nor is any rent paid for the occupation of Glencairn House. Under terms agreed with the purchaser, the agreed portion of the sale price relating to Glencairn House and its immediate grounds of 2.87 hectares (Irish Punt 4 million, £3.5million approximately at today's rate of exchange) will only be payable when the Foreign and Commonwealth Office gives vacant possession. Total fees (legal and agents) relating to the sale amounted to about £170,000.

Republic of Ireland: Diplomatic Service

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  when his Department became aware that Marlay Grange, Dublin had an asbestos problem; why the asbestos was not revealed in the survey commissioned prior to its purchase; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what the total cost was of the purchase of Marlay Grange, Dublin; what the subsequent cost to date has been of  (a) asbestos treatment and removal and  (b) all other refurbishment costs; what (i) other costs of maintenance of the buildings, (ii) other costs of maintenance of the grounds and (iii) other maintenance costs have been incurred; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Murphy: holding answer 22 October 2007
	I refer my hon. Friend to the report on the Rationalisation of the Glencairn Estate, Dublin produced by the Comptroller and Auditor General to the House of Commons which gives full details of the sale of Glencairn and purchase of Marlay Grange. The report is available at:
	http://www.nao.org.uk/publications/nao_reports/03-04/03041088.pdf.
	Marlay Grange was purchased for Irish Punt 8 million in 2000 (£6.258 million). An initial survey of the property, carried out in October 1999, showed that a comprehensive refurbishment would be required. However, this was not an invasive survey as the owners were still living in the property and would not permit one. The extent of asbestos only became known after the property was purchased; when the full survey was carried out in preparation for refurbishment.
	Up until mid-2004, we had spent £700,000 on works to Marlay Grange, which included asbestos removal, fees and security works. No refurbishment works have been carried out. Since mid-2004 we have incurred security and minor maintenance costs of £507,000.

Sudan: Peacekeeping Operations

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects the new peacekeeping force to be deployed in full in Darfur.

Jim Murphy: The full deployment of the mission will depend on how quickly the force can be generated and the necessary infrastructure and support put in place. This is being carried out by the UN's Department of Peacekeeping Operations.
	The Government are pressing for the full mission to deploy as quickly as possible, as my noble Friend the Minister for Africa, Asia and the UN, the right hon. Lord Malloch-Brown, stated when he met UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon and African Union (AU) Chairperson Alpha Konare at high level meetings in New York on 21 September.
	UN Security Council Resolution 1769 mandates the new AU-UN Mission in Darfur to assume authority from the current AU Mission in Sudan no later than 31 December, with a view to achieving full operational capability and force strength as soon as possible thereafter. We will continue to press all sides to meet this timetable.

Sudan: Peacekeeping Operations

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress is being made to finding a settlement in relation to the situation in Darfur.

Jim Murphy: The meeting led by the African Union (AU) and UN in Arusha on 3-6 August, attended by most rebel leaders, was an important step forward in the political process. Rebels expressed their commitment to participate fully in negotiations under AU-UN leadership, presented a common platform on key issues and urged the AU-UN to continue consultations with Darfurian civil society.
	The Darfur peace talks are due to begin in Libya on 27 October. We support the AU-UN Joint Mediation Support Team who will lead negotiations. They have developed a mediation and communication plan which should help to ensure effective civil society participation. We urge all parties, rebels and the Government of Sudan to engage fully in these talks and to be prepared to negotiate. Only a political process can provide a sustainable solution to the crisis in Darfur.

Zimbabwe: Politics and Government

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received on the situation inside Zimbabwe; what steps the UK is taking to provide assistance to the people of that country; and if he will make a statement.

Meg Munn: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary regularly receives updates on the situation in Zimbabwe through our embassy in Harare and met with a member of the Movement for Democratic Change earlier this month to discuss the situation in person. Other Ministers and senior officials are in contact with members of the non-governmental organisation and civil society community and with the Zimbabwe diaspora in the region and more widely. The UK continues to provide up to £40 million in humanitarian aid keeping ordinary Zimbabweans alive. In conjunction with EU partners, we continue to apply targeted measures against President Mugabe and 130 of his elite. We ensure the UN remains seized of the crisis and we continue to provide support to all those working for democratic change in Zimbabwe.

Post Offices: Access

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what meetings Ministers in his Department had with Royal Mail to discuss disability access to Crown post offices before 19 April; and what such discussions they have had since that date.

Patrick McFadden: I raised the issue as part of a wide ranging discussion of Post Office related matters with the Managing Director of Post Office Ltd. when we met on 29 August.

World War II: Medals

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform whether coalminers required to remain working in collieries during the Second World War will be deemed eligible for a Bevin Boy badge from his Department.

Malcolm Wicks: The purpose of the Bevin Boys Veterans Badge is to recognise those who were selected or volunteered as part of the Bevin Boys scheme. Although miners who were already employed in the pits, and were exempt, along with railway and dockworkers, farmers, agricultural workers, schoolteachers and doctors, from conscription under the 1938 Schedule of Reserved Occupations, also made a similar contribution to the war effort they were not part of this process and are therefore not eligible.

Alcoholic Drinks: Children

David Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  how many prosecutions there were for selling alcohol to children and young people under the age of 18 years in  (a) England and Wales and  (b) each police force area in each year between 1997 and 2004; and if she will make a statement;
	(2)  how many penalty notices for disorder in relation to the sale of alcohol to a person under 18 years of age were issued in each year since 2004, broken down by police force area; and how many of these resulted in an unpaid fine in each area.

Vernon Coaker: The information requested on prosecutions for selling alcohol to persons under 18 years are provided in table 1.
	In addition to prosecutions, the offence of sale of alcohol to a person under 18 can attract a penalty notice for disorder (PND). The offence was added to the PND scheme on 1 November 2004, and information on the number issued with outcomes including the number resulting in an unpaid fine, are provided in the attached table.
	Unless contested by the offender or cancelled, an unpaid PND fine is registered at the courts at an added 50 per cent. value and the offender is then pursued through the courts for payment. Data on the number of fine registered PNDs are also provided in table 2.
	
		
			  Number of defendants proceeded against at magistrates' courts for selling alcohol to underage customers, England and Wales  1997 to  2005( 1, 2, 3) 
			  Police force  area  1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005 
			 Avon and Somerset — 22 3  1 — 2 — 14 
			 Bedfordshire — — — 1 1 1 2 7 10 
			 Cambridgeshire 2 7 — 4 2 — — 4 9 
			 Cheshire 5 14 10 6 — 4 16 20 8 
			 Cleveland — 2 — — 1 1 4 10 14 
			 Cumbria 4 11 4 — 2 2 1 1 8 
			 Derbyshire 11 7 6 8 3 — 37 22 13 
			 Devon and Cornwall — 9 1 2 — 1 — 12 8 
			 Dorset 2 6 1 — 3 — 9 10 35 
			 Durham — — — 1 — — — 2 2 
			 Essex 6 7 2 — 2 3 7 2 8 
			 Gloucestershire — 1 — — — — — 1 5 
			 Greater Manchester 21 27 21 22 20 39 129 180 117 
			 Hampshire 1 7 6 3 2 4 — 9 11 
			 Hertfordshire — 3 — 1 — 1 1 8 3 
			 Humberside — 3 — — — — — 11 2 
			 Kent — 1 — — 5 3 12 15 14 
			 Lancashire 17 3 6 1 13 14 23 22 89 
			 Leicestershire 1 3 1 1 1 10 15 10 27 
			 Lincolnshire — 2 — — — — 17 4 11 
			 Merseyside 8 3 — 1 — 14 42 19 16 
			 Metropolitan Police 13 13 17 2 19 12 113 167 253 
			 Norfolk 1 1 4 — — — 1 9 3 
			 North Yorkshire — 3 3 — — — 7 22 3 
			 Northamptonshire 5 2 — — 3 1 — — 11 
			 Northumbria 34 92 41 17 17 8 38 51 79 
			 Nottinghamshire 3 1 7 — — — 9 — 11 
			 South Yorkshire 2 4 5 14 22 — — 5 18 
			 Staffordshire 11 2 1 — — 3 8 5 20 
			 Suffolk 9 — 1 — — — — 1 3 
			 Surrey 3 3 1 — — 5 4 10 13 
			 Sussex 3 3 1 2 7— 8 4 4  
			 Thames Valley 2 4 2 1 3 — 6 28 15 
			 Warwickshire — 1 — — — — 27 26 7 
			 West Mercia 3 3 5 3 3 — 7 5 19 
			 West Midlands 11 14 28 18 8 10 20 45 76 
			 West Yorkshire 14 12 9 8 9 14 2 21 15 
			 Wiltshire — 2 — 2 2 1 6 10 23 
			 Dyfed-Powys 3 3 6 8 3 2 5 24 6 
			 Gwent 13 5 5 4 5 9 2 20 16 
			 North Wales 1 1 2 2 1 1 7 5 10 
			 South Wales 6 4 6 — — 7 29 34 55 
			 Total 215 311 205 132 158 170 616 861 1,084 
			 (1) These data are provided on the principal offence basis.  (2) Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the police forces and courts. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used.  (3) Covers the offences: Selling etc intoxicating liquor to person under 18 for consumption on the premises under the Licensing Act 1964 S.169 A and B as added by Licensing (Young Persons) Act 2000 S.1, Wholesaler selling intoxicating liquor to a person under 18 under the Licensing Act 1964 S.181 A(1) as added by Licensing Act 1988 S.17, Sale of alcohol to a person under 18 under the Licensing Act 2003 S. 146 and Allowing Sale of alcohol to a person under 18 under the Licensing Act 2003 S. 147. Sections 146 and 147 of the 2003 Licensing Act only came into effect from 24 November 2005, so data prior to 2005 is not available. The first two offences cannot separately identify on and off premises consumption although both are covered by the statutes.  Source: RDS—Court proceedings database—Office for Criminal Justice Reform—Ministry of Justice 
		
	
	
		
			  Number of penalty notices for disorder issued to all persons aged 16 and over for sale of alcohol to a person under 18, with outcomes, England and Wales 2004 and 2005( 1) 
			   2004 
			  Police  f orce area  Number issued  Paid in full  Fine registered  Contested in court  Cancelled  Outcome unknown 
			 Avon and Somerset — — — — — — 
			 Bedfordshire — — — — — — 
			 Cambridgeshire — — — — — — 
			 Cheshire — — — — — — 
			 Cleveland — — — — — — 
			 Cumbria — — — — — — 
			 Derbyshire — — — — — — 
			 Devon and Cornwall — — — — — — 
			 Dorset 22 18 2 2 — — 
			 Durham — — — — — — 
			 Essex 7 7 — — — — 
			 Gloucestershire 127 99 22 127 99 22 
			 Greater Manchester — — — — — — 
			 Hampshire 2 1 1 — — — 
			 Hertfordshire — — — — — — 
			 Humberside 2 2 — — —  
			 Kent — — — — — — 
			 Lancashire 30 3 1 — 26 — 
			 Leicestershire 2 2 — — — — 
			 Lincolnshire — — — — — — 
			 London, City of — — — — — — 
			 Merseyside 2 2 — — — — 
			 Metropolitan 21 18 3 — — — 
			 Norfolk — — — — — — 
			 North Yorkshire — — — — — — 
			 Northamptonshire 1 — 1 — — — 
			 Northumbria 1 — 1 — — — 
			 Nottinghamshire 9 9 — — —  
			 South Yorkshire 2 2 — — — — 
			 Staffordshire — — — — — — 
			 Suffolk — — — — — — 
			 Surrey — — — — — — 
			 Sussex — — — — — — 
			 Thames Valley — — — — — — 
			 Warwickshire — — — — — — 
			 West Mercia 1 1 — — — — 
			 West Midlands 6 4 2 — — — 
			 West Yorkshire 4 4 — — — — 
			 Wiltshire — — — — — — 
			
			 Dyfed Powys — — — — — — 
			 Gwent — — — — — — 
			 North Wales 1 1 — — — — 
			 South Wales — — — — — — 
			
			 England and Wales 113 74 10 2 27 — 
		
	
	
		
			   2005 
			  Police  f orce area  Number issued  Paid in full  Fine registered  Contested in court  Cancelled  Outcome unknown 
			 Avon and Somerset 56 51 4 — — 1 
			 Bedfordshire 2 2 — — — — 
			 Cambridgeshire 11 11 — — — — 
			 Cheshire 49 46 2 — 1 — 
			 Cleveland 33 32 1 — — — 
			 Cumbria 23 23 — — — — 
			 Derbyshire 8 7 1 — — — 
			 Devon and Cornwall 82 75 7 — — — 
			 Dorset 22 22 — — — — 
			 Durham — — — — — — 
			 Essex 120 117 6 — — — 
			 Gloucestershire 42 37 5 — — — 
			 Greater Manchester 127 99 22 — 5 1 
			 Hampshire 67 58 7 — 1 1 
			 Hertfordshire 3 3 — — — — 
			 Humberside 45 41 3 1 — — 
			 Kent 10 4 6 — — — 
			 Lancashire 190 163 22 1 4 — 
			 Leicestershire 46 40 4 2 — — 
			 Lincolnshire 26 24 1 — 1 — 
			 London, City of — — — — — — 
			 Merseyside 73 57 15 — — 1 
			 Metropolitan 161 133 16 — 12 — 
			 Norfolk — — — — — — 
			 North Yorkshire — — — — — — 
			 Northamptonshire 39 33 4 — 2 — 
			 Northumbria 48 45 3 — — — 
			 Nottinghamshire 117 100 17 — — — 
			 South Yorkshire 107 98 9 — — — 
			 Staffordshire 19 18 1 — — — 
			 Suffolk 19 18 1 — — — 
			 Surrey — — — — — — 
			 Sussex 63 61 2 — — — 
			 Thames Valley 12 12 — — — — 
			 Warwickshire 3 2 1 — — — 
			 West Mercia 22 21 1 — — — 
			 West Midlands 114 99 13 — 1 1 
			 West Yorkshire 72 59 11 — 1 1 
			 Wiltshire 8 7 1 — — — 
			
			 Dyfed Powys 18 18 — — — — 
			 Gwent 20 18 2 — — — 
			 North Wales 58 46 10 1 — 1 
			 South Wales 123 108 13 1 2 — 
			
			 England and Wales 2,058 1,805 211 5 30 7 
			 (1) Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used.

Office of Surveillance Commissioners: Inspections

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many local authorities were inspected by the Office of the Surveillance Commissioners in each year since its creation.

Tony McNulty: Inspections of local authorities conducted on behalf of the Chief Surveillance Commissioner commenced in 2001 when 47 were inspected. The number of local authorities inspected in subsequent years is:
	
		
			   Number 
			 2002-03 189 
			 2003-04 184 
			 2004-05 111 
			 2005-06 151 
			 2006-07 184

Passports: Applications

Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  how many and what percentage of first time applicants were awarded UK passports from the Glasgow Passport Office within six to eight weeks of the date of application in the last period for which figures are available;
	(2)  how many first time passport applicants in the UK who failed in their initial application for a UK passport were successful in their  (a) second,  (b) third and  (c) fourth attempts in the last period for which figures are available;
	(3)  how many first time passport applicants in Scotland who failed in their initial application for a UK passport were successful in their  (a) second,  (b) third and  (c) fourth attempts in the last period for which figures are available.

Meg Hillier: The Identity and Passport Service do not hold data on the number of attempts an applicant for a UK passport takes to have an application accepted.
	In the last five months, approximately 71,500 first time passports were issued in Glasgow. Of these, 725 (1.0 per cent.) took six to eight weeks to complete as they were complex, non-straightforward cases.

Passports: Applications

Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  how many first time passport applicants in the UK had their initial application refused in each year since 1997;
	(2)  how many first time passport applicants from Ochil and South Perthshire had their initial application refused in each year since 1997;
	(3)  how many first time passport applicants from Scotland had their initial application refused in each year since 1997.

Meg Hillier: Information is not available in the form requested. Identity and Passport Service statistics record the final outcome of applications and do not show whether the applications were initial or subsequent applications. Records of applications that do not result in the issue of a passport are broken down between those failed because the applicant did not hold British nationality and those unsuccessful for any other reason. No breakdown by area or by application type is available and the information is not held for years before 2002. The available figures are as follows:
	
		
			   2002  2003  2004  2005  2006 
			 Total intake 5,507,748 5,650,771 6,140,667 6,543,122 6,429,927 
			 Total unsuccessful 30,131 33,613 34,094 39,085 38,251 
			 Percentage of total intake 0.55 0.59 0.56 0.60 0.59

Sussex Police: Working Hours

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what average percentage of their time police officers in Sussex Police spent  (a) completing paperwork and  (b) on patrol in each of the last five years.

Tony McNulty: Data on time spent on patrol only offers a partial indication of policing activity. 61.1 per cent. of police officer time in Sussex was spent on front-line policing in 2006-07, which includes time in station completing incident related paperwork.
	I also refer the hon. Member to the reply provided by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary on 15 October 2007,  Official Report, columns 537-39W.

Age Discrimination

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality what recent representations she has received on the application of age discrimination regulations to the sale of insurance policies and holidays to older people.

Barbara Follett: The Government are considering whether there is a case for introducing legislation to prohibit harmful age discrimination in the provision of goods, facilities and services as part of an Equality Bill. A public consultation ran from 12 June to 4 September, during which time around 750 responses were submitted on the subject of the possible legislation prohibiting age discrimination. Insurance policy sales and age-targeted holidays were among the issues raised, most notably by organisations representing older and young people, industry representatives and individuals. Both issues were also fully discussed at consultation evens held in London and Edinburgh. We will publish information about the responses received in due course.

Equality and Human Rights Commission: Finance

Theresa May: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality what the total estimated annual cost is of  (a) salaries,  (b) pension contributions and  (c) bonuses of staff employed by the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

Barbara Follett: When the new commission is at full complement, it is expected that the costs will be in the region of: salaries: £20,000,000; pension contributions £4,400,000; and bonuses £400,000.

Equality and Human Rights Commission: Manpower

Theresa May: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality how many staff are employed by the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

Barbara Follett: There are currently 410 people employed by the commission including temporary staff—with plans to increase to 518 by the end of the financial year.

Equality and Human Rights Commission: Redundancy

Theresa May: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality how many staff employed by  (a) the Commission for Racial Equality,  (b) the Disability Rights Commission and  (c) the Equal Opportunities Commission were made redundant prior to the establishment of the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

Barbara Follett: No staff were made redundant from any of the legacy commissions. However, the three commissions ran voluntary severance schemes and the following numbers left the commissions: CRE had 78 leavers, DRC had 68 leavers and EOC had 39 leavers.

Rape: Victim Support Schemes

Theresa May: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality what meetings she has held with ministerial colleagues to discuss the possible closure of rape crisis centres.

Barbara Follett: This is an issue which I take very seriously and which I am discussing with other Ministers.
	This Government are committed to putting victims at the heart of the criminal justice system. The Cross-Government Sexual Violence and Abuse Action which we published earlier this year sets out our commitment to supporting victims of sexual assault. We have increased the capacity and stability in support services for victims by extending the network of sexual assault referral centres, with the intention of 30 being in place by the end of this financial year. There has also been significant investment in the specialist voluntary sector, including rape crisis centres, including an increase in the funding made available this year.

Arts: Finance

Jeremy Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much his Department  (a) allocated for spending and  (b) spent on (i) the arts, (ii) sport and (iii) heritage in each year since 1997 in 2007-08 prices.

Margaret Hodge: holding answer 17 October 2007
	The table shows how much the Department for Culture, Media and Sport allocated and spent on the Arts, Sport and Heritage, from 1997 to 2007-08 in 2007-08 prices. Spend figures for 2007-08 are not yet available.
	
		
			  Sector  1997-98  1998-99  1999- 20 00  2000-01  2001-02  2002-03  2003-04  2004-05  2005-06  2006-07  2007-08 
			  Arts
			 Allocation 250.9 248.8 281.0 287.9 297.7 337.7 384.4 408.8 432.7 442.9 420.3 
			 Spend 250.9 248.8 280.6 287.5 297.4 332.0 361.9 399.5 433.4 442.0 — 
			 
			  Sport
			 Allocation 64.0 61.6 63.4 63.3 80.9 127.8 108.0 157.6 158.4 188.2 186.4 
			 Spend 64.0 61.5 63.0 63.3 75.8 125.1 87.5 120.3 124.0 173.3 — 
			 
			  Heritage
			 Allocation 198.8 188.6 180.9 181.4 178.5 214.6 174.7 185.0 202.4 205.9 190.7 
			 Spend 199.0 185.7 177.8 180.2 167.0 178.7 173.1 182.2 174.3 193.6 —

Big Lottery Fund

Jeremy Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport pursuant to the answer of 8 October 2007,  Official Report, column 311W, on the Big Lottery Fund, which statutory bodies received grants, and for what purpose, in each year since 2004.

Gerry Sutcliffe: holding answer 17 October 2007
	I am arranging for the tables to be placed in the House Library, listing statutory bodies, by organisation type, that have received Big Lottery Fund grants since 2004 and the programme name under which they have received those grants. A glossary, explaining the purpose of each programme, is also included. The information requested by year for each statutory body, including the purpose of each grant, (approximately 2000 in 2005 alone) could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

British Bob Skeleton Association: Finance

Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what criteria are used in deciding whether to fund a national sport governing body; whether recognition of that body by the international federation of that sport is taken into account; and how the criteria were applied in the case of the British Bob Skeleton Association.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The criteria used by Sport England to determine whether a national sports governing body received whole sport or one stop plan funding between 2005-09 was based on the sport's current ability to deliver mass participation and elite performance and the potential ability to deliver growing levels of participation and strong elite performance
	The criteria used by UK Sport to decide whether to fund a national sport governing body through the world class performance programme are principally based on performance evidence—a combination of the past results and future medal potential
	of its athletes.
	For both Sport England and UK Sport recognition of that body by the international federation of that sport is taken into account, but is not in itself a determining factor. Additionally, under UK Sport's criteria, the right to compete in events under international federation control is essential
	In the case of the British Bob Skeleton Association, the decision to fund its current world class performance programme was based primarily on it being our most successful winter sport in recent years, having won a medal at both the Salt Lake City and Turin Winter Olympic Games.

Departments: Manpower

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many people were employed by his Department on 1 January in each of the last five years; and how many of these staff were  (a) permanent employees,  (b) temporary staff and  (c) contractors.

Gerry Sutcliffe: I refer the hon. Member to the information published by the Office for National Statistics in Table 6 of the Quarterly Public Sector Employment First Release for the latest year i.e. 31 March 2007 http://www.statistics.gov.uk/pdfdir/pse0607.pdf
	For earlier years, I refer the hon. Member to Table A of the Civil Service Statistics publications shown in the following table.
	
		
			  Date of Data  Link 
			 Sept 2006 http://www.statistics.gov.uk/StatBase/Product.asp?vlnk=2899&Pos=&ColRank=1&Rank=422 
			 April 2005 http://www.civilservice.gov.uk/management/statistics/reports/2005/tables_and_charts/index.asp 
			 April 2004 http://www.civilservice.gov.uk/managent/statistics/reports/2004/tables_and_charts/index.asp 
			 April 2003 http://www.civilservice.gov.uk/management/statistics/reports/2003/tables_and_charts/index.asp 
			  Notes:  1. Statistics are not collected or published for the reference date 1 January.  2. The Civil Service statistics represent those employees paid directly from the Department's payroll.  3. For 2005 and 2006 the Civil Service Statistics were not published with the permanent and temporary/casual breakdown. The information for 30 September 2006 is shown in the following table. 
		
	
	
		
			   Headcount p ermanent  Headcount t emporary/ c asual  Headcount t otal  FTE p ermanent  FTE  t emporary/  c asual  FTE  t otal 
			 Department for Culture Media and Sport 550 0 550 540 0 540 
			 Royal Parks 90 10 100 80 10 90 
			  Note:  Numbers are rounded to the nearest 10. 
		
	
	Any contractors are employed via agencies and so not paid directly by the Department or its agency so cannot be provided.

Departments: Official Visits

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on how many occasions he has visited each region in an official capacity in the last 12 months.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Since taking up post, on the 28 June 2007, the Secretary of State has officially visited: the North West four times; the West Midlands once; the East of England twice; and London seven times. All ministerial travel is undertaken in accordance with the ministerial code.

Gambling: Credit Cards

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with banks and other financial institutions which issue credit cards on the use of such cards in gambling; if he will bring forward proposals restricting the use of credit cards for gambling; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The Government are committed to ensuring there are proper controls and safeguards on the use of credit cards for gambling, particularly for those most at risk.
	Under the 2005 Gambling Act, credit cards cannot be used to pay for gambling offered by casino or bingo operators or be used to play gaming machines. The Act contains powers for the Gambling Commission and the Secretary of State to take steps to further regulate gambling and credit through licence conditions (sections 81 and 177), if the need arises.
	Where credit cards are permitted, under the Commission's Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice, gambling operating licence holders have to comply with robust social responsibility requirements including conditions on the provision of credit by operators and the use of credit cards.
	DCMS Ministers have not had any discussions with banks and other financial institutions on the use of credit cards in gambling. However, the Gambling Commission keeps such matters under review as part of its functions.

Museums and Galleries: Fees and Charges

Edward Vaizey: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much income was generated by entrance fees by each of the national museums and galleries in each year between 1995-96 and the abolition of such charging in constant 2007-08 prices.

Margaret Hodge: Table 1 shows the gross income generated by entrance fees to the national museums and galleries sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport from 1995-96 until 2001-02, in 2007-08 prices, and table 2 shows this income in cash terms. Free admission for all children to the charging national museums and galleries sponsored by the Department was introduced from 1 April 1999, and free admission for all those aged 60 and over became effective from 1 April 2000. The Victoria and Albert Museum reintroduced universal free admission on 22 November 2001. The other formerly charging museums that introduced universal free admission from 1 December 2001 were the Imperial War Museum (main site in Lambeth), Museum of London, Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester, National Maritime Museum, National Museum of Science and Industry (Science Museum in London, and National Railway Museum in York), National Museums Liverpool, Natural History Museum (main London site and Tring branch) and the Royal Armouries (Leeds and Fort Nelson sites).
	
		
			  Table 1: Gross income generated by entrance fees to the National Museums and Galleries sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport: 2007 -8 prices 
			  £ 
			  Museum/Gallery  1995-96  1996-97  1997-98  1998-99  1999-2000  2000-01  2001-02 
			 Imperial War Museum(1) 4,144,736 4,172,435 4,568,354 4,735,122 4,158,447 4,574,048 4,134,561 
			 Museum of London 392,751 402,292 448,339 578,045 592,251 642,932 607,912 
			 Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester 604,219 845,053 690,835 974,116 718,425 616,215 780,205 
			 National Maritime Museum 1,956,096 1,615,740 1,527,672 1,654,405 2,162,631 1,801,174 1,291,077 
			 National Museum of Science and Industry(2) 4,367,830 4,542,214 4,714,580 4,999,342 3,897,864 3,662,548 2,782,048 
			 National Museums Liverpool 399,546 337,872 647,600 705,115 555,617 403,725 296,510 
			 Natural History Museum(3) 4,449,370 5,549,257 5,649,577 5,918,733 5,195,931 5,216,903 4,288,305 
			 Royal Armouries(4) 54,360 64,419 76,639 105,892 561,722 611,629 383,325 
			 Tate(5) 407,700 433,844 427,901 484,611 435,945 429,826 479,745 
			 Victoria and Albert Museum(6) 199,227 1,617,839 2,842,518 3,039,332 2,181,340 2,846,197 1,666,651 
			 (1) Includes the Imperial War Museum at Lambeth and Duxford, the Cabinet War Rooms, and HMS Belfast. (2) Includes the Science Museum, South Kensington and the National Railway Museum, York. (3) Includes the Natural History Museum at South Kensington and Tring. (4) Figures for 1995-98 are for the Fort Nelson site only, because the Royal Armouries at Leeds was operated by Royal Armouries International (RAI) at that time. RAI ceased operating the Leeds site during 1999, therefore the figures from 1998-99 to 2001-02 include both Fort Nelson and Leeds. (5) Tate St. Ives. The figure for 1995-96 is estimated. (6) Includes the Victoria and Albert Museum, South Kensington and the Theatre Museum. In 1995-96, South Kensington had free admission, but a voluntary donation of c. £4.50 was strongly suggested upon entry. Admission charges at South Kensington were introduced on 1 October 1996.  Note: Figures from 1999-2000 to 2001-02 are estimated.  Source:  Prepared with information supplied by the sponsored national museums and galleries, and calculated with reference to the CDP Deflator Table published by HM Treasury. 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 2: Gross income generated by entrance fees to the National Museums and Galleries sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport 
			  £ 
			  Museum/Gallery  1995-96  1996-97  1997-98  1998-99  1999-2000  2000-01  2001-02 
			 Imperial War Museum(1) 3,049,840 3,173,731 3,576,521 3,800,909 3,405,394 3,799,064 3,516,248 
			 Museum of London 289,000 306,000 351,000 464,000 485,000 534,000 517,000 
			 Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester 444,605 642,783 540,848 781,928 588,325 511,809 663,527 
			 National Maritime Museum 1,439,363 1,229,000 1,196,000 1,328,000 1,771,000 1,496,000 1,098,000 
			 National Museum of Science and Industry(2) 3,214,000 3,455,000 3,691,000 4,013,000 3,192,000 3,042,000 2,366,000 
			 National Museums Liverpool 294,000 257,000 507,000 566,000 455,000 335,322 252,168 
			 Natural History Museum(3) 3,274,000 4,221,000 4,423,000 4,751,000 4,255,000 4,333,000 3,647,000 
			 Royal Armouries(4) 40,000 49,000 60,000 85,000 460,000 508,000 326,000 
			 Tate(5) 300,000 330,000 335,000 389,000 357,000 357,000 408,000 
			 Victoria and Albert Museum(6) 146,598 1,230,597 2,225,380 2,439,689 1,786,321 2,363,964 1,417,408 
			 (1) Includes the Imperial War Museum at Lambeth and Duxford, the Cabinet War Rooms, and HMS Belfast. (2) Includes the Science Museum, South Kensington and the National Railway Museum, York. (3) Includes the Natural History Museum at South Kensington and Tring. (4) Figures for 1995-98 are for the Fort Nelson site only, because the Royal Armouries at Leeds was operated by Royal Armouries International (RAI) at that time. RAI ceased operating the Leeds site during 1999, therefore the figures from 1998-99 to 2001-02 include both Fort Nelson and Leeds. (5) Tate St. Ives. The figure for 1995-96 is estimated. (6) Includes the Victoria and Albert Museum, South Kensington and the Theatre Museum. In 1995-96, South Kensington had free admission, but a voluntary donation of c. £4.50 was strongly suggested upon entry. Admission charges at South Kensington were introduced on 1 October 1996.  Note: Figures from 1999-2000 to 2001-02 are estimated.  Source:  Prepared with information supplied by the sponsored national museums and galleries

Radio: Reviews

Jeremy Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport 
	(1)  whether his Department plans to respond to the Ofcom publication, The Future of Radio;
	(2)  what plans his Department has to implement the proposals outlined in Ofcom's publication, The Future of Radio.

James Purnell: Earlier this year, Ofcom consulted on the proposals outlined in their publication "The Future of Radio". I understand that Ofcom are currently considering the results of that consultation and are planning to publish their conclusions by the end of the year. I look forward to considering any proposals they make to Government.

Rugby

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport whether he plans to meet representatives of the English, Scottish, Irish and Welsh rugby football unions.

Gerry Sutcliffe: I have regular meetings with the English RFU and last met with them on 9 July 2007.
	I have no current plans to meet with the representatives of the Scottish, Irish and Welsh rugby football unions but am happy to do so.

Sports: Broadcasting

John Grogan: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what mechanisms he will use to review the list of sporting events which must be offered at a fair and reasonable price to free-to-view broadcasters; and if he will make a statement.

James Purnell: It remains the Government's intention to review the list of sporting events around 2008-09. No decision has yet been made on the exact date and nature of the review.

Swimming Pools

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many Olympic size swimming pools  (a) there are and  (b) are planned to be built before 2012 in the (i) Yorkshire and the Humber, (ii) North, (iii) North West, (iv) South West, (v) East Midlands, (vi) West Midlands, (vii) East of England and (viii) London region.

Gerry Sutcliffe: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Bath (Mr. Foster) on 8 October 2007,  Official Report, columns 334-35W, for information about the number and location of Olympic size swimming pools in Yorkshire and the Humber; North West; South West; East Midlands; West Midlands; East of England; and London regions. There are currently no Olympic size pools in the Northern region.
	Since that reply, a new 50 metre indoor pool has been completed in Leeds (Yorkshire and the Humber).
	A further four pools are either under construction or have planning permission in: Liverpool (North West); Sunderland (North); Hillingdon (London); Portsmouth (South East). Discussions are also proceeding on proposals to develop further Olympic size pools in the South West; East of England; East Midlands, West Midlands and London regions, with a view to their opening before 2012.

Antisocial Behaviour: Stoke on Trent

Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Respect programme in Stoke on Trent.

Beverley Hughes: Stoke on Trent is one of 77 areas that has benefited from a close working relationship with the Respect task force. Complementing its broad range of approaches to tackle antisocial behaviour and its causes, Stoke has appointed a Parenting Practitioner to work with parents of young people that are involved in or at risk of becoming involved in antisocial behaviour and has also developed a Family Intervention Project in the Meir neighbourhood. The Local Government User Satisfaction Survey shows that the proportion of the public who perceive a high level of antisocial behaviour in Stoke-on-Trent fell from 50 per cent. in 2003-04 to 31 per cent. in 2006-07.

Child Minding: Qualifications

David Willetts: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what support the Government provides for childminders to obtain higher early years qualifications.

Beverley Hughes: In our Children's Workforce Strategy we set out a commitment to increase qualifications in the Early Years Workforce. We have a General Sure Start Grant (GSSG) allocation for 2007/08 that includes funding to local authorities to ensure that all early years education and child care workers receive appropriate training, development and support.
	We have a Transformation Fund of £250 million from 2006 until 2008 to help deliver our long term commitment to transforming the quality of early years child care. A main aim of the fund is to achieve a greater proportion of the work force being qualified to Level 3 and above.

Children in Care

Helen Southworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what his estimate is of  (a) the number of children in the care of a local authority who are placed outside that authority's area and  (b) the percentage of such children who are privately fostered; and if he will initiate a formal review of the guidance issued to local authorities on managing such placements.

Kevin Brennan: holding answer 18 October 2007
	 The number of children looked after placed outside their responsible local authority area at 31 March 2007 was 18,400. This represented 31 per cent. of all children looked after on that date. None of them were privately fostered—children who are privately fostered are not 'looked after' by local authorities. Through the legislation to implement the "Care Matters" White Paper, we will strengthen the statutory framework so that a local authority may not place a child out of its local authority area unless it is satisfied that such a placement is in the child's best interests. Statutory guidance for local authorities will be issued to support this.

Curriculum: Citizenship

David Kidney: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what response he plans to make to the recommendation of the National Foundation for Education Research Citizenship Education Longitudinal Study that the statutory citizenship curriculum be strengthened in  (a) status,  (b) credibility and  (c) visibility.

Jim Knight: Citizenship is a statutory part of the national curriculum for all pupils aged 11-16 and part of a joint non-statutory framework in primary schools alongside personal, social and health education (PSHE). The recent review of the secondary school curriculum undertaken by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) gave new impetus to the citizenship curriculum by adding a new strand entitled "Identity and diversity: living together in the UK", following the recommendation in Sir Keith Ajegbo's review of diversity and citizenship. The DCSF, in partnership with CfBT and the Association of Citizenship Teaching (ACT), is running a national support programme to help schools implement these changes. From January to April 2008, there will be one day regional training events targeted at subject leaders. A national subject lead for citizenship has been appointed, who will work with 27 new regional advisers to support local networking.
	We are also working with the National College for School Leadership (NCSL) to raise the status of citizenship with head teachers, providing a fully subsidised CPD course for citizenship teachers to improve their skills, and developing a new, full GCSE and A level in citizenship studies, in response to demand. In addition, guidance on the new duty on schools to promote community cohesion, which came into effect on 1 September 2007, makes clear that good citizenship education can make a significant contribution to this area and demonstrate schools' compliance.
	We will continue to work with the NfER and use the findings of the Citizenship Education Longitudal Study to inform future policy.

Departments: Internet

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many websites his Department operates; how many it operated at 1 January 2005; and what the estimated annual cost has been of running his Department's websites in the last five years.

Kevin Brennan: The Department runs 25 main Government websites (URL domains). In addition the Department operates a number of sub-sites falling under the main domains.
	There would be a disproportionate cost to provide the further information requested.
	The Department is working towards consolidation of all its websites. Public-facing content is being migrated to Directgov and business content to Businesslink.

Departments: Parking Offences

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many fixed penalty tickets were incurred by vehicles within the purview of his Department in the last year for which figures are available; and what the total cost was.

Kevin Brennan: On receipt of a notice of intended prosecution (NIP) which results in a fixed penalty notice for parking, speeding, jumping of traffic lights etc., the driver of the vehicle will be highlighted and the details of the driver passed to the relevant authorities. At this point the matter then becomes between and the authority and the driver. No record is kept of this information as it is still subject to appeal by the driver and no costs are incurred by the Department as traffic offences are a matter for the driver to pay direct depending on the outcome.

Departments: Standards

James Paice: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many of his Department's public service agreement targets  (a) take account and  (b) do not take account of rural proofing.

Kevin Brennan: None of the targets underpinning the PSAs my Department agreed in the 2007 comprehensive spending review themselves make explicit reference to rural areas in their wording—this is because the PSAs are about improving outcomes for all children and young people. However, in designing and developing policies to deliver the PSAs, particularly in the context of the forthcoming Children's Plan, the Department will take into account all factors which prevent children and young people achieving those outcomes, including rural issues (in accordance with guidance provided by the Commission for Rural Communities and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)).

Intimidation: Internet

Helen Southworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families if he will have discussions with colleagues in the Department of Culture, Media and Sport to consider what steps can be taken to prevent use of the internet as a vehicle for bullying.

Kevin Brennan: The Government are committed to finding further actions which can improve the situation: The Department has launched an awareness campaign and issued guidance to schools, and we are in dialogue with industry to find the best way forward. In relation to all matters concerning the internet, we work closely with colleagues in other Government Departments, including the Department for Culture Media and Sport, the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, the Home Office and the Ministry of Justice.

Pupils: Safety

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what education is given to pupils about road safety; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Knight: The Department's "Safety Education: Guidance for schools" advises how schools can deliver safety education, which would include road safety education, within the framework for personal, social and health education. Beyond that it also highlights how other parts of the national curriculum can be used to develop children's ability to assess and control risks to themselves and others.
	The secondary school curriculum has been reviewed this year by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority. The revised curriculum, to be phased in from September 2008, includes new programmes of study for personal social health and economic education. There is scope to cover road safety through the key concept of risk where pupils are taught that the
	"ability to recognise, assess and manage risk is essential to physical safety".
	It is for schools to determine how road safety education is provided to their pupils.

Schools: Standards

Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what factors affected the decision  (a) to include pupils who have been relocated through managed moves to new schools in the new schools performance statistics and  (b) not to include in those statistics those pupils permanently excluded.

Jim Knight: holding answer 22 October 2007
	The excluded pupils' policy, in the achievement and attainment tables, was put in place to ensure schools that admitted pupils excluded from a maintained school were not penalised for doing so.
	Under this policy, the admitting school can request to have excluded pupils removed from the school's number on roll. Results for the excluded pupil will still count in the school's performance figures provided the pupil was permanently excluded from another maintained school. This ensures that the admitting school's performance results are not adversely affected by taking on an excluded pupil.
	Managed moves can be a good way of dealing with pupils who are at risk of exclusion, and offering them a fresh start, without going through the formal exclusion process. As these pupils have not been formally excluded there is no special consideration given to the counting of these pupils in a school's results. Pupils who move schools as a result of managed moves are attributed to the school where they were on roll at the time of the January School Census.

Special Educational Needs: East of England

David Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how much funding was allocated to special needs provision in each county in the East of England in each year since 1997.

Kevin Brennan: The requested information is contained in the following table:
	
		
			  Budgeted net expenditure on the provision of education for children with special educational needs( 1,2)  in the East of England Government office region (GOR): 2000-01 to 2007-08( 3) 
			  £ 
			   Budgeted net expenditure on the education of children with special educational needs( 1,)( )( 2) 
			  Local authority name  2000-01  2001-02  2002-03  2003-04 
			 England 2,763,226,000 2,908,380,000 3,038,661,0sp00 3,466,180,000 
			  
			 East of England GOR 262,754,000 281,293,000 296,178,000 339,448,000 
			 Bedfordshire 19,250,000 21,011,000 18,838,000 24,669,000 
			 Cambridgeshire 31,017,000 33,352,000 36,290,000 44,958,000 
			 City of Peterborough 12,325,000 13,410,000 14,787,000 16,936,000 
			 Essex 62,904,000 68,285,000 69,328,000 75,876,000 
			 Hertfordshire 54,162,000 56,668,000 55,427,000 63,654,000 
			 Luton 9,136,000 9,321,000 14,765,000 15,673,000 
			 Norfolk 34,824,000 37,782,000 38,304,000 42,233,000 
			 Southend-on-Sea 8,867,000 10,222,000 10,653,000 13,096,000 
			 Suffolk 22,845,000 23,452,000 29,012,000 32,374,000 
			 Thurrock 7,425,000 7,788,000 8,774,000 9,979,000 
		
	
	
		
			  £ 
			   Budgeted net expenditure on the education of children with special educational needs( 1,)( )( 2) 
			  Local authority name  2004-05  2005-06  2006-07  2007-08( 3) 
			 England 3,774,757,000 4,120,549,000 4,481,245,000 4,868,366,000 
			  
			 East of England GOR 371,652,000 393,061,000 431,678,000 473,841,000 
			 Bedfordshire 26,198,000 27,455,000 31,224,000 32,013,000 
			 Cambridgeshire 42,980,000 45,120,000 47,217,000 48,756,000 
			 City of Peterborough 18,620,000 20,337,000 23,188,000 24,838,000 
			 Essex 81,359,000 87,946,000 96,982,000 103,046,000 
			 Hertfordshire 71,970,000 75,794,000 79,344,000 87,928,000 
			 Luton 17,867,000 17,431,000 21,541,000 23,164,000 
			 Norfolk 44,946,000 48,604,000 51,472,000 60,953,000 
			 Southend-on-Sea 15,107,000 15,810,000 19,076,000 21,469,000 
			 Suffolk 41,529,000 43,991,000 50,159,000 57,750,000 
			 Thurrock 11,076,000 10,574,000 11,475,000 13,926,000 
			 (1) Includes planned expenditure on the provision for pupils with statements and the provision for non-statemented pupils with SEN, support for inclusion, inter authority recoupment, fees for pupils at independent special schools and abroad, educational psychology service, local authority functions in relation to child protection, therapies and other health related services, parent partnership, guidance and information, the monitoring of SEN provision and inclusion administration, assessment and co-ordination. Also included is the funding delegated to nursery, primary and secondary schools identified as "notional SEN" and the individual schools budget (ISB) for special schools. (2) The ISB for special schools will include some general education costs for pupils with SEN in addition to those costs specifically for SEN while the figures recorded against "notional SEN" are only indicative of the amount that might by spent by schools on SEN and, from 2004-05 onwards, "notional SEN" delegated to nursery schools was reported on section 52 for the first time (nursery schools "notional SEN" accounts for £687,000, £885,000, £1,018,000 and £1,045,000 of the respective 2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07 and 2007-08 East of England totals). In 2005-06, 2006-07 and 2007-08 local authorities in the East of England also budgeted £55.8 million, £58.4 million and £60.1 million for SEN transport expenditure but this is not included in the above table as figures are not available prior to 2005-06. (3) 2007-08 data are subject to change by the local authority.  Notes: 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest thousand pounds and may not sum due to rounding. 2. Cash terms figures (see note 1) as reported by local authorities as at 16 October 2007. 3. The data are drawn from local authorities Section 52 Budget Statements (tables 1 and 2) submitted to the DFES. Data are not available prior to 2000-01.

Youth Services: Finance

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many youth projects in each London constituency received central Government funding in each of the last five years; and how much was allocated to youth projects in London in each of the last five years, broken down by constituency.

Kevin Brennan: The Department for Children, Schools and Families does not hold information relating to volumes of projects or financial information relating to constituencies. The following tables show London borough allocations from 2003-04 for those centrally managed programmes which fund youth projects in the local areas. These are Positive Activities for Young People (PAYP) holiday provision, the Neighbourhood Support Fund allocations from 2006-07, (prior to this NSF was administered by managing agents and the LA breakdown is not known) and from 2006-07 the new Youth Opportunity and Youth Capital Funds (YOF/YCF).
	
		
			  PAYP local authority allocations 2003-07 
			   2003-04  2004-05  2005-06  2006-07  2007-08 
			  Central London  
			 Camden 368,059 368,059 651,864 502,086 502,086 
			 Islington 368,503 368,503 652,635 502,680 502,680 
			 Kensington and Chelsea 224,578 224,578 414,779 319,475 319,475 
			 Lambeth 422,109 422,109 726,689 559,718 559,718 
			 Southwark 413,861 413,861 749,156 577,023 577,023 
			 Wandsworth 214,883 214,883 406,609 313,183 313,183 
			 Westminster, City of 400,828 400,828 704,963 542,984 542,984 
			 Total 2,412,821 2,412,821 4,306,694 3,317,148 3,317,148 
			   
			  London East  
			 Barking and Dagenham 271,392 271,392 469,076 361,297 361,297 
			 Bexley 74,163 74,163 188,891 145,490 145,490 
			 Greenwich 353,860 353,860 589,107 453,748 453,748 
			 Hackney 474,752 474,752 765,209 589,387 589,387 
			 Havering 25,655 25,655 161,842 124,656 124,656 
			 Lewisham 447,535 447,535 751,016 578,455 578,455 
			 London, City of 1,103 1,103 56,013 43,143 43,143 
			 Newham 587,783 587,783 977,508 752,907 752,907 
			 Redbridge 56,767 56,767 168,311 129,639 129,639 
			 Tower Hamlets 520,237 520,237 819,564 631,253 631,253 
			 Total 2,813,247 2,813,247 4,946,537 3,809,975 3,809,975 
			   
			  London West  
			 Brent 335.427 335,427 657,909 506,741 506,741 
			 Ealing 114,286 114,286 271,388 209,031 209,031 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham 237,930 237,930 444,946 342,711 342,711 
			 Harrow 75,959 75,959: 170,123 131,034 131,034 
			 Hillingdon 101,438 101,438 435,587 335,503 335,503 
			 Hounslow 231,924 231,924 457,109 352,079 352,079 
			 Total 1,096,964 1,096,964 2,437,061 1,877,100 1,877,100 
			   
			  North London  
			 Barnet 42,299 42,299 330,446 254,520 254,520 
			 Enfield 239,216 239,216 541,020 416,710 416,710 
			 Haringey 281,419 281,419 586,232 451,534 451,534 
			 Waltham Forest 298,717 298,717 604,764 465,808 465,808 
			 Total 861,651 861,651 2,062,463 1,588,572 1,588,572 
			   
			  South London  
			 Bromley 35,306 35,306 187,507 144,423 144,423 
			 Croydon 60,871 60,871 535,716 412,625 412,625 
			 Kingston upon Thames 12,733 12,733 88,085 67,846 67,846 
			 Merton 20,903 20,903 134,893 103,899 103,899 
			 Richmond upon Thames 14,623 14,623 91,909 70,791 70,791 
			 Sutton 63,876 63,876 196,998 151,734 151,734 
			 Total 208,312 208,312 1,235,108 951,318 951,318 
			   
			 Overall total 7,392,995 7,392,995 14,987,864 11,544,114 11,544,114 
			  Notes: 1. The increase in 2005-06 is due to combining PAYP with the Uproject, a former lottery programme. 2. The drop in 2006-07 is due to the removal of general lottery funding contribution. 
		
	
	
		
			  NSF allocations 2006-08 
			  Local authority area  2006-07  2007-08 
			 Barking and Dagenham 97,127 97,127 
			 Greenwich 51,437 51,437 
			 Hackney 194,002 194,002 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham 61,004 61,004 
			 Haringey 46,712 46,712 
			 Islington 159,346 159,346 
			 Lambeth 213,994 213,994 
			 Lewisham 87,158 87,158 
			 Newham 99,293 99,293 
			 Southwark 73,647 73,647 
			 Tower Hamlets 124,082 124,082 
			 Total 1,207,802 1,207,802 
		
	
	
		
			  YOF/YCF London allocations 2006-07 
			  Local authority  YOF  YCF 
			  Central London   
			 Camden 129,061 111,628 
			 Islington 136,353 117,935 
			 Kensington and Chelsea 131,229 113,502 
			 Lambeth 164,633 142,394 
			 Southwark 221,756 191,801 
			 Wandsworth 146,446 126,664 
			 Westminster, City of 157,158 135,930 
			 Total 1,086,636 939,854 
			
			  London East   
			 Barking and Dagenham 126,439 109,360 
			 Bexley 132,918 114,963 
			 Greenwich 208,487 180,325 
			 Hackney 160,908 139,173 
			 Havering 122,809 106,219 
			 Lewisham 197,690 170,985 
			 City of London 50,000 50,000 
			 Newham 200,779 173,658 
			 Redbridge 132,434 114,546 
			 Tower Hamlets 212,204 183,539 
			 Total 1,544,668 1,342,768 
			
			  London West   
			 Brent 178,245 154,167 
			 Baling 176,409 152,580 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham 101,406 87,708 
			 Harrow 115,622 100,003 
			 Hillingdon 192,877 166,822 
			 Hounslow 145,726 126,041 
			 Total 910,285 787,321 
			  North London   
			 Barnet 199,556 172,600 
			 Enfield 195,755 169,313 
			 Haringey 185,315 160,283 
			 Waltham Forest 172,766 149,430 
			 Total 753,392 651,626 
			
			  South London   
			 Bromley 166,709 144,190 
			 Croydon 207,844 179,768 
			 Kingston upon Thames 90,000 72,201 
			 Merton 114,423 98,967 
			 Richmond upon Thames 90,965 78,678 
			 Sutton 114,350 98,904 
			 Total 784,291 671,708 
			
			 Overall total 5,079,272 4,394,277

Anniversaries: Oliver Cromwell

David Kidney: To ask the Leader of the House what plans she has for Parliament to commemorate the 350th anniversary of the death of Oliver Cromwell.

Helen Goodman: My right hon. Friend the Leader of the House has no plans for such a commemoration, which would primarily be a matter for the House.
	I understand my hon. Friend will receive a substantive reply to this question from the hon. Member representing the House of Commons Commission.

Legislative Drafting

Simon Hughes: To ask the Leader of the House if she will  (a) publish and  (b) place in the Library before 25 October all responses to the consultation on the draft legislative programme.

Theresa May: To ask the Leader of the House 
	(1)  if she will place in the Library a copy of the responses to the consultations received so far on the draft legislative programme;
	(2)  which organisations and businesses have submitted responses to the consultation on the Government's draft legislative programme;
	(3)  how many  (a) written and  (b) e-mailed submissions she has received since 11 July on the draft legislative programme in addition to those comments posted on the Cabinet Office website; and how many have been received from (i) individuals and (ii) corporations and organisations.

Helen Goodman: The Leader of the House of Commons has already committed to publishing a Summary of Consultation Responses and she will do so at the start of the next Session.

Afghanistan: Females

Tobias Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what progress has been made on the construction of the Women's Park in Lashkar Gah, Afghanistan; what the objectives of the project are; how much has been allocated to the project; and if he will make a statement.

Shahid Malik: The recently completed "Women and Children Park" in Lashkar Gah was funded through the Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) fund, administered by the UK-led Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Helmand. QIPs in Helmand are funded through the joint DFID, MOD, and FCO Global Conflict Prevention Pool (GCPP). The GCPP QIPs fund has an overall budget of £9 million this financial year, including £3 million from DFID. The overall cost of the park was approximately £420,000.
	The park is providing much needed recreational space and facilities to the people of Lashkar Gah and the surrounding area, in particular women and children. It was built in response to identified local needs, and agreed by the Governor of Helmand and relevant Government of Afghanistan line departments. Construction of the park was implemented by the Afghan NGO, Helping Afghan Farmers Organisation (HAFO). Much of the work was carried out using local labour. One of the first major events hosted at the park was a US-funded agricultural fair to promote legal livelihoods attended by 1,700 Afghans.

Departments: Manpower

Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many and what percentage of employees in  (a) his Department and  (b) each (i) executive agency and (ii) non-departmental public body funded by his Department are above state retirement age.

Shahid Malik: DFID has 33 UK based staff above the state retirement age as of the end of September 2007. This represents 1.92 per cent. of our work force.
	DFID does not have any staff in any executive agencies or non-departmental public bodies.

Departments: Public Expenditure

Andrew Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development by what methodology the annual net cash-releasing savings of £492 million per year by 2010-11 mentioned on page 238 of the Comprehensive Spending Review have been calculated.

Douglas Alexander: DFID, like all other government departments, has agreed to make value for money savings of at least 3 per cent. annual net cash releasing gains on our total departmental budget and 5 per cent. annual real reductions in our administration budgets by 2010-11. As in the 2004 Spending Review, the methodology for assessing gains achieved by more poverty-focused allocation is based on econometric studies by Paul Collier and David Dollar showing that the impact of aid varies with countries' per capita income and policy environment. Gains are also generated by improved performance of DFID's portfolio, as measured by the scores awarded to projects in annual monitoring reviews.

Departments: Public Expenditure

Andrew Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the main element will be of his Department's value for money programme which will generate annual net cash-releasing savings of £492 million per year by 2010-11, as mentioned on page 238 of the Comprehensive Spending Review.

Douglas Alexander: DFID, like all other government departments, has agreed to make value for money savings of at least 3 per cent. annual net cash releasing gains on our total departmental budget and 5 per cent. annual real reductions in our administration budgets from a near cash RDEL plus CDEL baseline of £5,310 million. The gains on our programme budget will include allocative efficiency gains from more poverty-focused allocation of multilateral and bilateral aid; and efficiency gains from improved performance of our bilateral portfolio.

Overseas Aid: Environment Protection

Andrew Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the  (a) objectives and  (b) targets of the International Environmental Transformation Fund are; what criteria he plans to use to award grants from the fund; how much (i) was allocated to the fund for disbursement in each year since its inception and (ii) has been allocated for each of the next five years; and what research he has (A) commissioned and (B) evaluated on (1) the reduction of poverty through environmental management and (2) means of assisting developing countries to respond to climate change.

Douglas Alexander: The £800 million Environment Transformation Fund International Window (ETF-IW) will support development and poverty reduction through better environmental protection, and help poor countries respond to climate change. Detailed objectives, a delivery plan, broad resource allocation and monitoring arrangements will be agreed by relevant Ministers and an HMG governance board in consultation with key stakeholders over the coming months. It will be operational from April 2008. The £800 million will be committed over the next three years; £100 million in 2008-09, £200 million in 2009-10, and 500 million in 2010-11.
	The World Bank is proposing a multi-donor fund to scale up international effort on sustainable development and climate change. Funds from the ETF-IW will help capitalise this fund. We want to see an open consultation on how this fund should be set up and how we can target the UK resources going into it. We would like to work with donors, recipients, the private sector and civil society in the consultation to develop a truly multilateral solution to tackling the challenges of climate change and transforming countries' development paths.
	DFID, in partnership with IDRC, is providing £24 million of research funding over five years to better understand the impacts of climate change in Africa, and to significantly improve the capacity of African countries to adapt to climate change in ways that benefit their most vulnerable citizens. We are also consulting on research priorities for climate change and poverty reduction in Latin America and the Caribbean. On environmental management, DFID has recently concluded a research programme on forests and poverty reduction, the results of which are now being integrated into our policy making. We have supported additional research work on forests and poverty reduction through the World Bank and the Centre for International Forestry Research. We are in the design phase for a research programme on water resources management and energy, and we are scoping a project which will look at how ecosystems support poor people, from the household to national level. This project will also look at how improved management of ecosystems can result in improved services for the poor.

Republic of Congo: Overseas Aid

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what aid and assistance has been provided by his Department for development in the Republic of Congo.

Gareth Thomas: Information on UK aid for the Republic of Congo is available in the DFID publication "Statistics on International Development 2007". This publication is available online at: www.dfid.gov.uk. Relevant figures are reproduced in the tables as follows.
	
		
			  Table 1: UK Total Bilateral Gross Public Expenditure on Development 2002-03 to 2006-07 
			  Republic of Congo  £ thousand 
			 2002-03 580 
			 2003-04 2,071 
			 2004-05 2,928 
			 2005-06 106 
			 2006-07 466 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 2: Imputed UK Share of Multilateral Official Development Assistance (ODA) 2001 to 2005 
			  Republic of Congo  £ thousand 
			 2001 3,536 
			 2002 852 
			 2003 3,803 
			 2004 2,172 
			 2005 4,839

Motor Vehicles: Registration

Robert Goodwill: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research she has  (a) commissioned and  (b) evaluated on the compliance rate of the drivers of foreign registered passenger vehicles with civil and criminal legislation and regulation in England and Wales.

Jim Fitzpatrick: VOSA's effectiveness report records compliance rates for foreign registered passenger vehicles stopped by VOSA. No specific research has been commissioned in this area.
	The effectiveness report can be found on
	www.vosa.gov.uk

Employment: Business

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the selection criteria were for those organisations invited to sign up to his Department's jobs pledge; whether steps were taken to enable small and medium-sized enterprises to participate in the scheme; what monitoring was undertaken of the impact of the scheme; and if he will make a statement.

Caroline Flint: Local employment partnerships (LEPs) are open to all employers willing to make the commitment to open up more job opportunities to disadvantaged people. However, a managed approach has been taken to our engagement with employers. Our initial focus has been on those major national companies who have demonstrated their commitment to working with us on recruiting those often overlooked in the labour market. We are now also targeting those larger local employers who have demonstrated the same commitment.
	LEPs are available to small and medium sized employers provided they are able to offer opportunities to those at a disadvantage in the jobs market and to work with Jobcentre Plus, and its partners, on delivering the specific measures that are agreed. Each LEP agreement is different, tailored to the needs of the individual employer.
	It is too early to evaluate the impact of LEPs, but evaluation of the initiative is included in the project plan. A system has been put in place to measure progress towards the target of finding work for 250,000 disadvantaged people through LEPs by the end of 2010.

Dietary Supplements: Channel Islands

David Tredinnick: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the annual cost to the Exchequer of low value consignment relief made available to businesses based in the Channel Islands for the import into the United Kingdom of food supplements and herbal remedies which either contain illegal ingredients or are marketed with illegal claims; what steps officials of his Department plan to take to ensure that HM Revenue and Customs addresses this issue; and if he will make a statement.

Jane Kennedy: No estimate has been made.
	HMRC continue to enforce their border controls to prevent the import of prohibited goods.

Health Services: Finance

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what provision his Department has made for extra funding for health services in areas with disproportionately high levels of elderly residents;
	(2)  what recent assessment he has made of the impact of the age of the population on demand for healthcare.

Ben Bradshaw: The 2006-08 revenue allocations represent £135 billion investment in the national health service—£64 billion to primary care trusts (PCTs) in 2006-07 and £70 billion in 2007-08. Over the two years covered by this allocation, PCTs will receive an average increase of 19.5 per cent.
	The revenue allocations are made to PCTs based on a weighted-capitation formula. The formula has three elements, one of which is an age adjustment. The age adjustment is one of the three elements of the formula. This adjustment recognises that a principal cause of variation in the level of demand for health services is the age structure of the population. The very young and the elderly, whose populations are not evenly distributed throughout the country, tend to make more use of health services than the rest of the population. The purpose of the age weighting within the formula is to allow for varying elements of health need associated with the age structure of local populations.
	The development of the weighted-capitation formula, including the age adjustment, is continually assessed and overseen by the Advisory Committee on Resource Allocation (ACRA). ACRA is an independent body comprising NHS management, general practitioner and academic membership. ACRA's current work programme is looking again at all elements of the formula, including the age adjustment.

Health Services: Prisons

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to assess the impact of primary care trusts assuming responsibility for the provision of healthcare services to prisons; and if he will make a statement.

Ivan Lewis: In 2006, the Health Services Management Centre at Birmingham University was commissioned to undertake a survey of prison health partnerships in order to inform both an assessment of their progress and the process of transferring commissioning responsibility for prison healthcare services in public sector prisons to the national health service. A copy has been placed in the Library.
	This year, the Department will introduce a set of newly designed performance indicators to assess the quality of prison healthcare services. These bring together a number of existing systems to support a mainstream approach to performance monitoring at a local level.
	It is planned that the indicators will contribute to measuring the effectiveness of the transfer and corresponding significant increased investment in prison health. They will also act as a tool to strengthen local commissioning, governance and performance management arrangements and inform national strategy and policy development.
	HM Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) and the Healthcare Commission have worked in partnership by virtue of a memorandum of understanding since April 2006 to monitor healthcare standards in prisons. The Healthcare Commission now includes prison health services in its assessment of the effectiveness of commissioning arrangements in the national health service, while HMIP continues to inspect and report on health outcomes for prisoners in all public sector establishments.

Devolution: Codes of Practice

David Jones: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what discussions there were between Government Ministers and Ministers of devolved Administrations on the preparation of the Ministerial Codes of those administrations.

Edward Miliband: Preparation of guidance documents for the devolved Administrations, including the Ministerial Codes of those administrations, is a matter for the administrations themselves.
	Detail of Ministers' contact with their counterparts in the devolved Administrations is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. There has been no contact between Cabinet Office Ministers and Ministers in the devolved Administrations about the preparation of their Ministerial Codes.